We all have times when we like to think we are entitled to a life of success, without having to work for it. The reality is however, that success for most of us requires a working component. This requires that we begin to assume the lead and take action in our lives.

Taking Charge
To escape the entitlement mentality, we need to begin taking responsibility. This is a part of growing up in society, but is often overlooked in relation to success. Most people don't see success as a responsibility and therefore aren't willing to put in the many hard yards required to achieve their goals and ambitions. This leaves them demoralised and with ambitions they believe they will never fulfill.

By beginning to take small action steps, anyone can begin to realise their dreams. Although action is perceived as being difficult, the reality is that it isn't. For example: A lot of individuals would be happy to have $5,000 extra in their savings account in six-twelve months time. Without accepting responsibility and taking action, it is unlikely that this goal will be achieved. However by taking charge one can begin to realise this dream by:

1. Setting up a savings account.
2. Putting the first $100 in it.
3. Contributing a set amount monthly ($5,000 divided by six months equals $833.33)
4. Refusing to withdraw the money from the account.
5. Increasing contributions to the account.

Accepting the responsibility of success
Maintaining success is dependent on how responsible you are with you are given. I see in the media on a regular basis Chief Executive Officers who are being paid millions of dollars while losing investors significant amounts of their money. This is not being responsible.

This reminds me of a story in the Bible about a businessman who entrusts three employees with various amounts of money while he takes a holiday. When he returns, two of them have double there money, showing they have been responsible with what they have been given and that they have put it to use wisely. The third however has only managed to maintain what he has been given, not even lending it to the bank for interest, which greatly disappoints the businessman.

When we start our own business, gain a position of importance in a career or gain another level of achievement, we need to be responsible. The onus is on us to ensure that we do all that we can to provide the best level of service and return we possibly can for all parties involved in the equation. Doing so will ensure our reputation and long-term success.

How to start
How can we begin to take responsibility? There are a number of things you can do, but the main thing is to work on your character. This includes multiple areas:

• Honesty and Integrity.
• Punctuality.
• Persistence.
• Motivation.
• Patience.
• Humility (Which is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less).
• Compassion, etc.

Maintaining your nobility and credibility as an upright character and being responsible with that which you are entrusted is a great start on the path to success.