An Easy-to-Understand Explanation of Responsibility in Adlerian Psychology | A Philosophy for Living Proactively

"Who is responsible for life?" — Considering the concept of responsibility in Adlerian psychology

When things aren't going well in your life, what do you think?

The environment was bad.

My relationship with my parents had an impact.

I was unlucky.

Of course, these things do influence life.

Adlerian psychology does not deny these facts either.

However, Adlerian psychology does not stop its thinking there.

It poses a more fundamental question.

"Even so, how will you live?"

That is the question.

Responsibility in Adlerian Psychology

First, please look at this quote.

These words carry particular weight within Adlerian psychology.

This is because the theme of responsibility is two sides of the same coin as freedom.

Responsibility does not mean "blaming yourself"

When you hear the word responsibility,

responsibility for failure.

Responsibility for negligence.

Responsibility for guilt.

Many people have such an image.

That is why the word 'responsibility' can sometimes feel burdensome.

However, the responsibility discussed in Adlerian psychology is a little different.

Responsibility is not about constantly blaming yourself.

Responsibility is,

'living as the protagonist of your own life'

in essence.

For example, when you fail,

'it's someone else's fault'

you can keep saying that.

However, at that moment, you are also handing over the helm of your life to someone else.

Adlerian psychology encourages you to move away from that state.

No one can live your life for you

Someone might encourage you.

There are people who will support you.

There are people who will help you.

However, there is no one who can live your life itself for you.

Ultimately, you are the one who chooses.

It is you who walks.

It is you who makes decisions.

This fact is harsh.

But at the same time, it is also human dignity.

Adler emphasized responsibility because he believed in human agency.

"Yes, I am here."

The words at the end of the quote are very impressive.

There are unavoidable events in life.

There are failures.

There are setbacks.

There is illness.

There are partings.

Perhaps things rarely go as you wish.

However, Adlerian psychology

"Why did this happen?"

does not just keep asking,

"How will I live within this situation?"

it asks that instead.

When called upon by life,

Not by running away,

not by making excuses,

but by responding, "Yes, I am here."

That is where the essence of responsibility lies.

Therein lies the essence of responsibility.

What kind of person is a healthy person?

In Adlerian psychology, a perfect person is not called a healthy person.

They are not someone who never fails.

They are not someone who never worries.

Rather,

a healthy person is someone who takes ownership of their own life.

Someone who tries to take responsibility for their own choices.

Such people are considered healthy.

There are many uncertainties in life.

The future is also unknown.

Even so, one must make choices.

Even so, one must live.

That resolve is what health truly is.

Living as the master of one's life

Adlerian psychology can sometimes sound harsh.

This is because,

“The responsibility for your life lies with you.”

is what it says.

However, these are not words meant to corner anyone.

It is the opposite.

Humans have the power to choose.

Humans have the power to change.

Humans have the power to create the future.

It is precisely because we believe this that we use these words.

The past cannot be changed.

There are also limits to our environment.

However, you can choose how to live today.

Taking responsibility for your life does not mean blaming yourself. It means living your life as your own.

⇧ You can purchase the Adlerian Psychology textbook here. (This is not an affiliate link.) It is a fundamental text referenced by many learners and courses.