I’d like to address a subject that has really irked me in the last couple of years. Out of high
school and into college, I’ve noticed a trend with people in Buffalo and those around me –
everybody wants change but they aren’t willing to work to achieve it.
This is a common phase that even the best have gone through, including myself, but until you
take initiative in your life and take control you will be forever stuck where you are in life. I don’t
want to sound like your parent telling you what to do, but I’ve seen a lot of people go down the
wrong path.
Accountability is an issue in our society. Nobody wants to take ownership over what they do and
don’t do, and as a result, those people find themselves in the same situation time and time again.
Whether it’s a relationship, a class, driving or otherwise, the first step to taking control in your
life is accountability and being willing to deal with the consequences of your actions.
Then comes responsibility and planning. To be responsible, you need to know your priorities
and go about handling your business in that way. Planning is also key in taking charge of your
life, and I think the most important. As an adult, you must be able to plan out and time things
accordingly. This will enhance your ability to fulfill a mission or goal.
My last step to being able to take control over your life is being able to take constructive
criticism. As human beings we often don’t want to hear something bad about ourselves, but still
have the nerve to talk about someone else.
Personally, I feel if you want to be successful, whether you want to be a CEO or a rapper,
nobody needs to be told something “they already know” or something that hurts their feelings.
As people, we all make mistakes and I think we must do a better job of taking criticism from
others, good or bad.
Just getting the opinion and perspective from another person will help build yourself because
it shows that you are willing to not only learn from your mistakes, but improve on them. As a
friend, parent or significant other, you should never be afraid to tell someone the truth no matter
what. The truth will forever set you free and I think that holds the most weight in all situations.
I speak plainly from the experiences of those around me. When you are looking to get to that
next step in your life, you should not only look at where you are now, but where you want to be
and what you must do to get there. Far too many people are doing things without any thought
toward their future.
Aubrey Gibert can be reached by email at gilbert.record@live.com.