The things for which you are responsible are the things over which you have control. If you attempt to seize control, you’ll be met with fierce resistance. Yet when you offer to accept responsibility, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Lots of people are quick to claim “it’s not my responsibility.” By so doing, they deny themselves the best opportunities. If you desire to have an influence, if you desire to make an impact, you must be willing to take responsibility.

Those who fail to exercise their responsibilities quickly lose them. Those who step up and take responsibility when no one else is willing to do so, consistently expand their level of influence and authority.

Influence, effectiveness and achievement are earned, and responsibility is a critical part of the process. Any time there’s a need for someone to take responsibility, there’s an enormous opportunity. Those who have the foresight to accept it will rise quickly to ever-increasing success.