For instance, if you create a huge mess while making a sandwich, take the time to put the ingredients away, wipe up spilled crumbs, and wash any dishes you made or put them in the dishwasher.
For instance, always put your keys on the hook or table when you come in the door, so you know where they are.
For instance, maybe you notice that no one’s taken out the trash today. Don’t just leave it for someone else to do. Take the initiative to do it yourself. Alternatively, maybe no one has made plans for dinner. Get a plan together, and make dinner for everyone.
For instance, maybe you really need to eat, but someone in your family gets a cut that needs tending to right now. Obviously, you should help them first before eating. Sometimes, putting others’ needs first starts by determining what are really our “needs” and what are our “wants. " For instance, maybe you want to go out with your friends, but your parents need you to stay home to babysit. Going out with your friends may feel like a need, but it’s more of a want.
Staying consistent also means keeping your word and following through with commitments you make to yourself and others. Being reliable shows people can depend on you to do what you say you’re going to do.
Even if no one “catches” you doing wrong, tell the right person it was your mistake. For instance, if you accidentally break a friend’s possession, don’t try to hide it. For example, say, “I’m sorry, I accidentally broke your sunglasses. Can I replace them?” You can’t change anything you’ve done wrong in the past, so be compassionate with yourself. However, you have to take ownership of what happened—without blaming anyone else—in order to move forward.
Plus, when you lie, you need to keep your lies straight, which can become difficult.
Offer to help others when they need you. You never know when you may also need to ask for a favor. Make time to meet in-person. You’ll need to be responsible enough to organize your time well and make plans in advance to see people you know. When you’re with other people, put your phone down. Put the people in front of you before social media.
For instance, maybe you and a family member keep miscommunicating when texting. It’s caused several fights. Instead of blaming the other person, sit down together, and try to figure out how you can do better. Maybe you can agree to be more specific in your texts or to ask for clarification when you feel you don’t have enough information. Similarly, don’t attack someone instead of dealing with the issue. Personal attacks won’t get you anywhere.
If you find yourself too angry to control what you’re saying, try counting to 10 in your head as you take deep, calming breaths. You can even tell the other person, “I need a moment to calm down before our conversation continues. I don’t want to say something I don’t mean. "
You are not responsible for what other people feel. However, you are responsible for what you say to them and how you act around them. A responsible person has the empathy to think about what other people are feeling in a given situation.
Your morning sets the foundation for your whole day. Schedule plenty of time to wake up and get going in the mornings—don’t just set your alarm for 5 minutes before you have to get up. [11] X Expert Source Rachel ClissoldCertified Life Coach Expert Interview. 26 August 2020. Set an intention for each day—sometimes just naming what you want can help make it happen. Think about what you want to achieve, for instance, or who you want to meet. [12] X Expert Source Rachel ClissoldCertified Life Coach Expert Interview. 26 August 2020.
For instance, if you need to do the dishes but you want to go outside, do the dishes first. Then you can be outside without the responsibility hanging over your head.
Try using an app that limits the time you spend on your phone or computer. It can help teach you responsibility with your time.
Volunteering doesn’t have to be boring! No matter what you love, from nature to books, you can find a way to engage in that interest while volunteering. For instance, you could work to clean up a local park or help shelve books at your local library.
When you commit to doing something, stick with it. That doesn’t mean you have to do it forever. However, if you, say, take on a leadership role for a year, stick with it for that year at least, unless you absolutely can’t for some reason.
Once you set goals, figure out concrete steps you can take each day to reach those goals. For instance, if you want to run a 5K, make a plan for how much you’ll need to walk or run each day to work up to running a 5K in a month.
For instance, maybe you want to save up for a car. Decide how much you want to spend on a car by researching ones in your area. Then, start putting away money every time you get some to help build your car fund.
You can even get a part-time job outside your house. Babysitting or being a lifeguard are often good part-time jobs when you’re younger.
You can use something as simple as a piece of paper and pen to create a budget, but you can also use a spreadsheet or a budgeting app to help you figure it out.
Debt means you are paying extra for the things you bought. Alternatively, it means you owe money to a friend or family member. Neither is a responsible way to spend money, though emergencies do happen.
