'Response-ability': My focus for the remainder of the year

After a refreshing holiday in Greece, I have returned with renewed energy, ready to take on the year's final stretch. One thought that has been on my mind recently is a concept I came across in Jay Shetty's podcast: ‘Response-ability.’ He broke down the word responsibility into ‘response’ and ‘ability,’ highlighting that we can control how we respond to the world around us.

This got me thinking about how I can ‘live’ this concept for the rest of the year. For me, ‘response-ability’ means embracing the idea that, while I may not have control over everything that happens around me, I do have complete control over how I choose to respond. It’s a powerful reminder that my reactions are not just automatic impulses but choices that I consciously make. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or caught up in the moment's urgency—whether it’s a sudden work crisis, an unexpected challenge at home, or even something as simple as a frustrating conversation. But with this perspective, I recognize that I have the ability to pause, take a breath, and decide on a response that reflects my values and long-term intentions.

Sometimes, choosing not to respond at all is also a valid response. There’s a distinction between reacting, which often comes from a place of emotion and immediacy, and responding, which involves reflection and intention. In a world where we are constantly triggered by external events—emails that demand immediate answers, social media that pulls us into debates, or news that fills us with worry—there is great strength in knowing when to step back and observe. Silence, or choosing to disengage, doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility; instead, it reflects a deeper understanding of when and where my energy is best spent.

By adopting this mindset, I acknowledge that I am mature enough to choose which battles are worth engaging in and which are better left alone. This approach allows me to protect my mental and emotional well-being while remaining true to my core principles. It’s about responding thoughtfully rather than impulsively and understanding that the power of response isn’t just in words or actions—it’s also in deciding not to act when that is the most effective choice.

In these final months, I plan to practice this form of ‘response-ability’ in my professional and personal life. Whether it’s a stressful situation at work, a moment of frustration in my personal life, or even the overwhelming noise of daily news, I want to remind myself that I can decide how to engage.

My commitment is to approach the rest of the year with more mindfulness, choosing responses that align with my values and goals. I hope that by practising this, I will finish the year strong and carry forward this mindset into the new year.