According to “Merriam-Webster” (n. d.), personal responsibility refers to an individual’s character, conduct, motives, or private affairs and involves moral, legal, or mental accountability. To me, personal responsibility means using dedication, determination, and motivation to finish tasks. It requires dedicating oneself to completing a project despite challenges and relying on determination and motivation to stay committed until the end. These qualities are essential for a strong work ethic. In their book “Five Key Dimensions of Personal and Social Responsibility,” Colby and Sullivan (2009) discuss various ethical, moral, and foundational values.
Of the various points discussed in Colby and Sullivan’s (2009) article “Striving for excellence: developing a strong work ethic and consciously doing one’s very best in all aspects of college,” a notable example is the importance of personal responsibility in achieving success in college. Unlike Kindergarten through 12 educations, college does not provide reminders or dedicated class time to work on projects. In college, individuals bear sole responsibility for their actions and meeting deadlines. It is crucial to learn how to prioritize and manage academic commitments, work obligations, and personal leisure activities.
Dedicating yourself to earning a college degree signifies your commitment to completing assignments promptly, regardless of the sacrifices made (like skipping a football game with friends). Adding reminders of your educational aspirations, like pictures of dream vacations or desired material possessions (a big TV, a new car), in your study areas can enhance motivation. Strengthening your determination and drive will enable you to concentrate more effectively on the necessary tasks. Moreover, teachers can play a role in fostering students’ determination and motivation, setting them up for triumph.
One suggested article that explores this perspective is “The Responsibility Breakthrough” by Lent, ReLeah Cossyett in 2010. A key aspect discussed in the article is autonomy as part of personal responsibility. Lent (2010) states that many students lack the experience necessary to make academic decisions, highlighting the lack of personal responsibility in the education system. To address this issue, Lent suggests granting autonomy in various aspects such as content choice, tasks, texts, partners, delivery methods, due dates, and assessment.
Teach students the importance of responsibility by giving them the opportunity to participate in Lent (2010). The concept of Lent emphasizes that students will put more effort into tasks that they are given the freedom to choose instead of being forced to follow a predetermined plan. While students may still be required to reach specific milestones, allowing them to choose the topic or process that directly impacts their grade and life will generally result in increased dedication and motivation. By cultivating dedication and motivation within themselves, students enhance their ability to pursue and achieve goals and seize opportunities. Without dedication, a plan is merely a schedule of predetermined times and dates for events to occur.
Dedication is crucial in ensuring the completion of a plan as intended, while motivation serves as a driving force during difficult times. To facilitate my education, I have devised a personal plan that involves the use of a folder or binder to store the course syllabus, as well as a weekly calendar. The syllabus is invaluable for referencing during assignments, while the calendar provides printouts with due dates and assignment specifics on a weekly basis. By efficiently organizing these materials, I can now concentrate on my designated study periods.
My employer allows me to work on school work for a few hours a day. I have scheduled my first hour at work for reviewing and making posts, as I usually arrive at 5:30 am and most employees arrive at 7:30 am. During my lunch break, I will dedicate at least 30 minutes to review assignments and posts. In the evening, I plan to reserve a minimum of 2 hours per night and up to 3 hours twice a week for larger assignments. Therefore, without personal responsibility in higher education, one may miss out on future opportunities. This is because personal responsibility demands dedication, determination, and motivation.
By committing yourself to a goal and ensuring you possess the appropriate motivation, determination, and support, you will accomplish your objectives. This will usually distinguish you from those who only do the bare minimum, thereby paving the way for more significant opportunities in your life.
