A Case of Responsibilitis
#55
Friend,
You suffer from Responsibilitis.
What is that you wonder? It’s the problem of being overly responsible. (And yeah, I made up that word.)
Being responsible is a good thing. We need more people who will do what they say they will do when they say they will do it. You are one of the most responsible people that I know. Thank you!
But it’s hurting you. Not because you are good at following through, but because you are terrible at saying no. The problem of Responsibilitis is that you become responsible for things that are not yours to carry.
Sometimes this is placed on us by family, our employer, our church leaders, or a host of other people who are often overwhelmed and have leaned on you because you will get it done!
Other times, Responsibilitis is a self-inflicted wound. You assume that if it needs to be done or carried, it needs to be done or carried by yourself.
What are the symptoms of Responsibilitis:
Fatigue- tired and burnt out from all the extra lifting.
Neglect- often our doing for others is at the expense of being with the ones most important to us.
Bitterness- what started as service has shifted to frustration, and you find yourself upset and resentful at others.
What is the treatment for Responsibilitis:
Saying No- Go ahead, say it out loud right now. See, you can do it.
Placing anxiety where it belongs- Maybe you are solving your boss’ problem again, or your spouse’ struggle again, or assuming and enabling your children again. Give it back to them. Let them handle it. (Even if that means it drops, that’s ok. You’ll know the difference between something that will shatter and something that will bounce.)
Embrace your humanity- You are not Superman or Wonder Woman. You are human, and that’s an incredible gift.
Love,
Aaron
P.S. Tomorrow I’m excited to launch the next part of Letters to a Weary Soul. You will have a free preview of the next step in this journey, and I’d love to have you be a part of it. Letters like this one will continue (and continue to be free!), but I do feel like it is time for the next step in the journey. Want to be one of the first ones to be a part of what is next? https://aarontiger.substack.com/subscribe