This tip is, I believe, one of the most life-changing in the book. Yet… it could almost be a book in itself. I’m not sure if I got the point across well. Is the tip clear? Is it too long? Too short? Your opinions greatly appreciated!
Here’s the link to the tip: practice-radical-responsibliity
3 responses so far ↓
1 Carol L. Skolnick, Clear Life Solutions // Dec 14, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I agree with how life-changing this stance can be, and I like the way you’ve expanded on what Byron Katie talks about with her “My children should pick up their socks” example. I do think it is a bit long though, repetitive and belaboring the point for the sake of having enough words a chapter perhaps?
What are some other ways we can be ‘radically responsible,” for instance in a global sense? How can we “get it done” in our neighborhoods, our corporations, our countries, our religious institutions, the world, without blame or “shoulds”?
2 Stacy // Dec 16, 2008 at 10:56 am
Soooo…the chick in the first scenario is “Stacy.” Coincidence?
I think you did a fine job, Stever. Clear, to the point, with enough example to make it understandable to anyone who’s ever whined or been whined at.
One suggestion… in this paragraph:
““But I shouldn’t have to sit down with Billy and place the order. That’s not my job!” True. But remember, the goal here is to make your relationship go well. In terms of job responsibilities, Billy’s failing. But you have a job that needs doing. It would be easier if you could count on Billy, but you can’t. So you take responsibility for making everything work and do what it takes to help Billy succeed enough so you can get your job done.”
Change the “buts” to “ands” for a more powerful read.
Change “True. But remember…” to “True. And remember…”
Change “Billy’s failing. But you have a…” to “Billy’s failing. And you have a…”
Change “…easier if you could count on Billy, but you can’t.” to “…easier if you could count on Billy, and you can’t.”
3 Karoline // Dec 17, 2008 at 12:14 am
Gut reaction? 2 pages in and I want to print this out and post it to my fridge where my partner can see it. *Ahem* I mean where I can see it and be reminded to take care of things myself and carefully use a LOT of “I” statements. Yes. That must be it.
Oh wait, you wanted USEFUL feedback..? *rereads* You’re right — this could easily be a full book. You want to expand this chapter an extra 200 pages? It’s doable. As a “tip”… it *might* be a trifle long.
My only beef is that… you make it sound easy.
You almost hide how profound this tip is. It might be that this “tip” is so deep, that it’s one case where your humor works against you slightly. I’m not sure though, perhaps I’m a bit tired… nor am I sure how to fix it. I wish I could say something more constructive than “this feels funny.”
*rereads again* I do LOVE the title. I would totally buy a book named Radical Responsibility. And after reading it, put it into my waiting room for patients to browse.