Responsibility: The Very Essence of Life

The gravity of the word 'responsibility' is not only seen in the number of letters the word possesses but even more so in the essence of the meaning of the word. The word, responsibility possesses various definitions. However, for the purpose of this write up, I would be using this definition as given by the English Dictionary: "The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful conclusion."

The importance of taking responsibility can not be overemphasized. This is because in a world of disorderliness and irregularities, responsibility attempts to bridge the chasms of disorderliness. Hence, without responsibility, the world would be in practical chaos. Moreso, responsibility fosters achievement which is necessary in effective functioning of an average human daily and throughout his or her lifetime.

This article aims to highlight the very essence of the word into seven points. Below are seven reasons why responsibility is important.

GROWTH: Responsibility fosters growth because it builds strength of character of that individual. When an individual is given a responsibility, it challenges the person to strive to produce the expected results which provokes growth not necessarily physically but with great emphasis on the mental, psychological and social aspects of life.

CREATES AND BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS: Responsibilities do not only cause growth in an individual but also helps to create and build relationships among individuals. People want to associate themselves with people they perceive accountable. Accountability, which could be another word used to signify responsibility sparks trust and this is the bedrock of building worthwhile relationships.

INSTILLS A SENSE OF PURPOSE: Responsibility instills a sense of purpose in an individual which is evidenced through specific direction. Thus, the individual has a clear path which he or she knows to follow.

EMPOWERMENT: Responsibility brings empowerment to the individual as it causes them to assume a level of authority no matter how insignificant it may seem. Hence, they are empowered to

FULFILMENT: Fulfilment comes through effectively carrying out a responsibility that has been trusted in one's care whether by oneself or by another.

EFFECTIVE DIVISION OF LABOUR: Responsibility can be seen in some way as division of labour in many facets of life. When individuals take daily and specific responsibility, the purpose of the division of labour which may be to achieve a particular task.

FACILITATES THE BIG PICTURE: Every individual is in one way or another a part of an organization (either formal or informal), and all organizations have a specific vision (the big picture). Giving, accepting and carrying out responsibilities in that organization facilitates the actualization of that big picture.

On the basis of these seven points outlined, it is imperative to acknowledge that responsibility therefore, is the very essence of human life.