The Responsibility Process™

Summary

In this insightful presentation, Christopher Avery introduces the Responsibility Process, a mental framework that explains how individuals can overcome the common mental states hindering personal growth and success. He identifies six key states—Blame, Justify, Shame, Obligation, Quit, and Denial—that prevent us from taking responsibility. By understanding these states and moving past them, we can regain control, act resourcefully, and solve problems. Avery emphasizes that responsibility is a learned skill, not an innate trait, and mastering it leads to greater clarity, empowerment, and long-term success in both personal and professional life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Responsibility is a key principle of success, but it hasn't been well understood or taught until now.
• 😀 Many people wrongly believe that responsibility is a character trait, something only some people possess.
• 😀 The Responsibility Process is a mental framework that explains the steps we go through when we avoid or take responsibility.
• 😀 The Responsibility Process involves six predictable mental states that prevent us from taking responsibility when problems arise.
• 😀 These six mental states, known as coping states, are blame, justify, shame, obligation, quit, and denial.
• 😀 Blame is the first reaction to problems, where we point fingers at others or external factors as the cause of our issues.
• 😀 Justify comes next, where we rationalize our problems by blaming external circumstances such as the economy or management.
• 😀 In the shame state, we internalize the problem, feeling like we are not good enough or deserving of better results.
• 😀 The obligation state involves a sense of having to do something, even when we don’t want to, leading to frustration and a lack of ownership.
• 😀 The ultimate goal is to break free from these coping states and move to a mental state of responsibility, where we recognize our ability to resolve problems and take ownership of our actions.

Q & A

What is the Responsibility Process?

The Responsibility Process is a mental framework that explains how people move through six predictable mental states when faced with challenges. These states—blame, justify, shame, obligation, quit, and responsibility—determine how we respond to problems and whether we take ownership or avoid the situation.

Why is responsibility considered the first principle of success?

Responsibility is considered the first principle of success because it enables individuals to move forward, solve problems, and maintain a productive mindset. When we take responsibility, we become resourceful and empowered, which is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

What happens when we operate from the 'Lay Blame' mental state?

When we operate from the 'Lay Blame' mental state, we shift the responsibility for the problem to someone else. This mindset gives away our power and keeps us from solving the issue, as we believe that someone else must change for our situation to improve.

How does the 'Justify' mental state affect our ability to solve problems?

The 'Justify' mental state causes us to point to external circumstances as the cause of our problems. By making excuses, such as blaming the economy or management, we avoid taking ownership and delay resolving the real issue.

What is the trap of the 'Shame' mental state?

The 'Shame' mental state leads us to internalize the problem and feel inadequate. We may tell ourselves we are not good enough or lack the necessary abilities to solve the problem. While society may view this as accountability, it is actually a trap that diminishes our resourcefulness and self-empowerment.

How does the 'Obligation' mindset hinder progress?

The 'Obligation' mindset occurs when we feel obligated to fulfill commitments we don’t want to. This mental state creates a sense of frustration and a lack of ownership, as we focus on the idea that we have no choice but to do something we don’t want to do.

What does the 'Quit' mental state look like, and why is it unproductive?

The 'Quit' mental state is characterized by avoidance—when we try to escape the problem instead of addressing it. While this may provide temporary relief, the problem persists and resurfaces, keeping us stuck in a cycle of inaction and unresolved issues.

What is the key difference between the 'Responsibility' state and the other mental states?

The key difference is that in the 'Responsibility' state, we recognize our power and ability to solve the problem. Instead of blaming others or avoiding the issue, we take ownership, seek solutions, and address the real cause of the problem.

How can we move from the coping states to the 'Responsibility' state?

To move from the coping states to the 'Responsibility' state, we must first recognize when we are in one of the non-responsive states (such as blame, justify, or shame). Once we acknowledge these mindsets, we can consciously shift to a more empowered, solution-focused approach by taking ownership and focusing on what we can control.

Why is the Responsibility Process described as difficult but rewarding?

The Responsibility Process is challenging because it requires sustained effort to recognize and shift out of non-productive mental states. It involves confronting discomfort and practicing ownership even when it's difficult. However, mastering this process leads to greater empowerment, resourcefulness, and success in both personal and professional life.