subject: Why You Will Never Win The blame Game [print this page] Others are doing well because theyve been handed everything on a silver platter and really have never had to work hard in their lives. These arent bad people. In fact, some of these people are very good friends. But I dont see these people in the same light as I do to the hard workers I know and sometimes shake my head in amazement when they tell me about how much money theyve spent, knowing full well it came from an early inheritance.
Then there are those who are hardworking, but arent necessarily financially successful. These, too, are good friends who have made the choice to do the 9-to-5, live a humble lifestyle and are basically satisfied with their lives. I respect these friends because not to sound like some elitist jerk theyre honest, hardworking and they will always give me a straight answer.
Finally, and this is the point of my message, there are the people I know who arent hardworking and arent financially successful dare I say theyre financially struggling who are quick to blame other people or factors for their hardships. These are the people who I try to block out.
A prime example is one person I know whom Ill call Tony. Tony is 40 years old and is currently unemployed. He was a contractor, but had to stop because his back started to hurt. He got a job at a home renovation store, but was fired because he was telling customers to not use their services and that he would do the work on the side.
He blamed a co-worker for snitching on him, even though he knew that offering to do the job himself was against policy. I thought it was also strange that he was offering renovation services even though he claimed he had a bad back. His answer was that he could tolerate it some of the time.
Hes now at home, trying to find work. Hes done a few odd jobs in contracting, but cant get repeat business because he works too slowly, is unreliable, and does less-than-acceptable work. He blames his previous employer for not being able to put them down as a reference on his resume, he blames his previous customers for giving him unrealistic deadlines and expectations for the work he was requested, and he blames the current economy for not being able to even look for work.
The most important lesson Ive ever learned in life is to take responsibility for your own actions. Yes, there have been times where Ive not been given a fair shake or been taken advantage of. It might not have been my fault that I got into the situation I was in, but it certainly wouldve been my fault if I didnt try to get out of it.
I look at others who have been in far worse situations than Ive ever been in and succeeded. Sure, they mightve had every right to blame someone else for their bad break. But instead, they chose to work hard to defy their obstacles and oppressions. Those are the people who are successful.
If youve been hard-done-by or given the short end of the stick and it truly wasnt your fault, dont play the blame game. Youll never win. Instead, turn around, pick yourself up and keep fighting. You might be pushed down again, but if you keep going, take responsibility for your actions, good or bad, and you will wind up a winner.
