I recently came across an idea in The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson, and it completely flipped my perspective on power and responsibility. It stuck with me in a way I can't shake.
We've all heard the famous line: "With great power comes great responsibility." But what if we flipped it? What if, instead, we said, "With great responsibility comes great power?"
That small shift in words carries a massive shift in mindset.
Power isn't something handed to us—it's something we create.
How? By taking responsibility for the things we can control.
As a Child
As a child, growing up in an abusive home, I often felt powerless. So much was beyond my control. But there were some things I could control: my mindset, my drive, my academics, and my ability to perform athletically in school sports. When we focus on everything outside of our control—circumstances, other people, unexpected challenges, we can feel defeated. But when we shift that focus inward and ask, "What can I do?" we take back our agency. We step into our power.
As an Adult
My self-reflective nature caused this thought hit home on a deeper, more personal level. I mean, it's tough to write this...but let's be real—sometimes I am part of the problem. Shocking, right? I know--just kidding. It's a jagged pill to swallow, but it's also where the real growth happens. Every single time I take responsibility for my choices, my actions, and even my assumptions--I stop feeling weighed down. Instead of pointing fingers, turn that finger inward. That's where the power is.
And this applies to everything. Literally everything!
In Life
When I take responsibility for my fitness, I gain the power to transform my body and mind.
When I take responsibility for my emotional responses, I gain the power to navigate challenges with resilience.
When I take responsibility for my happiness, I stop waiting for external validation and start creating my own fulfillment. *Ex: ABC Solo-Date Nights
When I take responsibility for how I spend my time and energy, I stop making excuses for why I can't do this or that. *Ex: JOMO
Flipping the script—seeing responsibility as the path to power rather than the result of it—is a game-changer. It reminds me that I'm not just a passive participant in my life.
I am in control—if I choose to be.
That power is mine.
It's yours too.
So, flip it: "With great responsibility comes great power."
