How did I get here?

Have you ever wondered in a negative tone, “How in the world did I get here?” Many of us have.

How did I end up 40 pounds overweight?

How did I end up with no money in my savings?

How did I end up so behind?

Those are all thoughts I had as I was closing in on graduating from college. If you are like me, the excuse train rolled into station. Everybody else eats unhealthy. Everybody else spends all they have. Everybody else expects something for nothing. It’s not my fault. I shouldn’t blame myself.

In reality, I was the only one to blame. In reality, I was fully responsible for where I was.

Those who have had success take responsibility for their success, while those who are struggling find excuses and blame others for their failures.

When we face this “how did I end up here?” situation, we need to understand 3 things.

1. It didn’t happen overnight. It took a few years of being unhealthy to gain that weight. It took time to deplete my savings. It took time to get to where I was — physically, emotionally, financially. (Understanding this point is important when it comes to point #3)

2. If there is to be a chance for positive change, you must take full responsibility for where you are and where you want to be. These things didn’t happen TO me, I created them through continual bad choices.

3. It is possible to get to where you want, but it takes time, consistent effort, and perseverence. You need to decide that you are going to change, then get to work. Not everything is going to happen at once.

Just like gaining 40 pounds took 3 years, losing all that weight took time. Just like spending all the money I had took time, starting and continuing to build a comfortable savings and retirement account takes time. It takes time to achieve success. It takes even more time to make that success last. It takes time. It requires responsibility.

I hope you take responsibility for where you currently are. I hope you take responsibility for forming a great future. Then, and only then, can you create the future of your dreams. Nobody is going to do it for you. You have to take responsibility for your life, your thoughts, your actions. Only then can you expect success and significance. Only then can you truly expect to live the life of your dreams.

Question to ponder: What is one thing I could take responsibility for and change my life in that area?

Action step: Get to a point where you don’t ever ask in a negative tone, “How in the world did I end up here?”