7-Point Guide to Being a Responsible Individual

The very core of any society rests on the idea of responsible, successful individuals. Consequentially I have produced a 7-point guide to being a responsible individual. There are likely many more tips, but if you follow this brief guide I believe you will become a successful person within your society.

1. Connect. All societies are founded on the idea of relationships. No society can exist on the idea that man is complete island. Humans need interaction to improve themselves and to do that they must connect with one another. So go out and build worthwhile relationships with whom you meet.
2. Understand. Of course, connecting with people requires learning to listen and understand them. Many problems have arisen unnecessarily from miscommunication. Sit down and spend time to listen.
3. Reason. Use reason when interacting with other individuals. Often, if you are thinking through what you say and do you get better results. That is because le respond better to reason than authoritarian commands.
4. Specificity. When you are vague, you are being irresponsible because you open the door to miscommunication, which ruins many relationships. While vagueness can be necessary at times, the majority of the time specificity works much more efficiently. If you ask for a drink, you might be unsatisfied with the result; but if you ask for decaffeinated coffee, you would get what you want.
5. Respect. One key element of responsibility is to act civilly. Try you best not to insult people, especially in public. If a person has insulted you publicly, you know how embarrassing and awkward it can be. People respond defensively to such attacks and grudges are often has as a result. If someone must be reprimanded, do it behind closed doors for the individual's dignity. Discuss the problem respectfully without belittling them.
6. Motive. Intention can be very important. Many people do what they do so people appreciate them; while being socially important is important, do not sacrifice everything at the altar of approval. Instead, base your motive on what is right. Even if you are scornfully mocked today, posterity will thank you. Remember that Socrates, Jesus, Martin Luther, Lincoln, and Reagan were all scorned during their day, but are now highly respected.
7. Adapt. Change has always occurred, is occurring, and will occur. Change has often been said, paradoxically, to be the only constant in the universe. Individuals and societies need to be capable of innovation. If we do not adjust with the times, we will stagnate; many people, governments, and companies have fallen behind by sticking with tradition above innovation. For example, Western Union fell behind because they did not realize the telephone would surpass the telegram. In order to survive, we must be flexible not rigid.

Hence, go forth connecting, understanding, reasoning, using specificity, respecting, utilizing correct motive, and adapting. Any feedback on what I have offered, its results, or what you find helpful in becoming responsible and successful would be much appreciated.

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