Pillars of Character 3. Responsibility

Responsibility is required in everything we do, it is not only for adults – it is for every one of all ages.

It is about doing what is required of you daily, such as school work, chores and personal responsibilities, such as brushing your teeth and taking care of your own safety to the best of your ability.

With responsibility comes accountability – taking responsibility for our actions and not blaming others when things go wrong. It includes not looking for excuses when we don’t reach targets or requirements, but accepting the part we played in the outcome of events.

Self-control is a big factor in responsibility. Self-control means controlling your anger, desires and taking the steps required to reach your goals; for example studying so that you can have good grades and get the reward you are working towards.

Responsible people do not look to blame others or justify irresponsible behaviour and have long-term vision and goals. If you are responsible, you will be looking towards doing good and persevere, even under pressure.

A responsible girl would be sure not to go out with strangers, she would stick to her curfew and let her parents know if she is running late as she would realize that they are worried about her.

Someone who is responsible would have their future mapped out before them, knowing which career they would like to follow and knowing the requirements. They would then take appropriate subjects at school and be sure to excel in their schoolwork, knowing that if they do not do their best now, they will not be able to make their dreams a reality.