The Power of Taking Responsibility

I have been reading a book by Brian Tracy, called "No Excuses" I have posted a link here so that if

you so desire to read this amazing book yourself, you can. I'm still in the early stages of this book, but I am finding some good lessons and nuggets of truth that I have found to be challenging to myself and helpful in shaping my perspective as I go forward in my journey of becoming a strong leader.

In chapter three, Tracy talks about self-discipline and responsibility. Now don't get me wrong, I know what responsibility and I know what self-discipline is, however, we so often take these words or attributes for granted and don't fully think through the ramifications of what these things are. That is why I am reading more books from people who have spent significant time thinking through these things and thinking through the outcomes of practicing such disciplines.

The kicker for me was on page 57 where Tracy talks about the antidote for negativity. I believe that our world is plagued with negativity. The news always focuses on the negative, social media always focuses on the negative, and the majority of people, only comment or think about the negative that is in their lives and don't give enough thought to the positives that are surrounding them. This also has to do with the mindset that we have in our lives.

Are we weak-minded people who play the victim in every situation or are we leaders who take responsibility and control our actions and the situations around us?

Tracy suggests that the way that we can overcome negativity is simply by taking responsibility for the situations surrounding us.

"There is a direct relationship between the acceptance of responsibility and the amount of personal control you feel you have over your life. This means that the more you accept responsibility, the greater sense of control you experience."

 He goes on to say that weak minded people simply blame other people around them for their own mistakes, their own misfortunes, and their own problems. They blame everything from tools to other people to inanimate objects. Tracy likens it to insanity... which I find to be an interesting comparison.

He goes on to say that "It is not possible to accept responsibility and remain angry at the same time. It is not possible to accept responsibility and experience negative emotions. It is not possible to accept responsibility without becoming calm, clear, positive, and focused once more."

This paragraph threw me for a loop. I have never really considered that taking responsibility of your actions and situations could actually have positive emotional ramifications. I can't recall a time that I took responsibility that I also experienced any negative emotions. That is definitely a gold nugget that I have taken from this book so far and I look forward to continuing my read and learning more and sharing my findings with all of you.

However, I would highly suggest that you read this book for yourselves!

Again, I have posted a link below
to Brian Tracy's website where you can buy this awesome book for yourselves.


http://www.briantracy.com/catalog/no-excusesthe-power-of-selfdiscipline

Episode 2: George Strait, Check Yes or No

Howdy Ya'll,
Yeah We're gonna start off strong in the realm of country. George Strait (aka the King of Country) starts us off with this series. "Check Yes or No" follows a couple from 3rd grade through life to the current point. Lyrically this song isn't deep, but it is adorable, and those of us who have a significant other, can remember those first time feelings when listening to this song, and it brings a smile to your face.
Musically, this song is more complicated but still superb. It matches the message of the song perfectly. This song embodies happiness and the cutest side of a loving romantic relationship. Musically this song isn't heavy, there aren't layers and layers of instruments. The key instruments to follow are the acoustic guitar, clean electric, violin, and bass. The drums don't need a focus because they are the glue that holds the entire song together. When listening to the intro and the first verse, listen for the lack of instruments (when he's singing) focus in on the finger picking pattern that he uses to compliment being young, and innocent if you will. Once you get to that first chorus, everything is in full swing, and makes you wanna dance with that special someone. Listen specifically to how the drums fit in with the bass pattern. It doesn't continue to build, but rather stays even, and consistent. It carries all the other instruments along, and guides each section of the chorus to it's conclusion. the chorus is built on 8th notes and compliments the the pattern found in the vocals perfectly. If you listen through the rest of the song listening to how the bass correlates with the vocals, it'll really make this song so much more enjoyable. Specifically because of the subject that is addressed in the song.
I have added a link of the song in this blog is if you wanna follow along as you read, that might help you pick it apart. As far as Country goes, it is a fairly easy genre to analyze. When he get to Techno/House, and heavy metal, it will get harder to dissect and figure out all the small details, but we will tackle that with we get to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHxS8wlDngI