Boundaries of Responsibility: What Is Truly in Our Hands?

We often fail to notice how we cross the thin line between our own and someone else's responsibility. We take on things that do not belong to us, solve other people's problems, make decisions for them, forgetting that everyone has the right and duty to manage their own life independently. But why do we shift the responsibility for our happiness onto others? Do we really like the idea that our well-being depends on external people? The danger here is clear: if we let someone else control our life, we become powerless in the face of change.

I take responsibility for my body, my decisions, my happiness. That is why I choose what to eat, what to drink, how to act—because it is my life, not someone else’s. I listen to advice, analyze opinions, but the final choice is always mine. And if I make a decision that leads to negative consequences, it is not the fault of those who warned me or didn’t—it is solely my responsibility.

However, people often try to shift responsibility onto others. We like receiving advice, but even more—we like blaming those who gave it if things go wrong. "You told me to do this!" becomes a way to avoid responsibility. But isn’t that what our own mind is for—to make conscious choices?

Another phenomenon exists: we hide behind a mask of nobility, playing the role of a savior. We neglect our own affairs to solve someone else’s problems. It’s easier to deal with another person’s issues than our own. By helping, we feel needed and useful, but we often fail to realize that we are depriving others of the chance to learn how to take responsibility for themselves. We are not helping—we are taking away.

Suppose I arrange a meeting. My responsibility is to arrive on time. But I am not responsible for the other person—whether they show up or not. If I am kept waiting or they do not come at all, it crosses my boundaries. But should I feel offended? Should I let it ruin my mood? That is my choice. I decide how to react. The other person is responsible for their actions, and I am responsible for my reaction.

Jungian Approach: The Process of IndividuationCarl Jung emphasized that individuation is the process of becoming a whole self. It involves recognizing our hidden sides, making independent decisions, and taking full responsibility for our lives. Those who fail to do so continue seeking an “external savior”—parents, a partner, a friend, a boss, or even the government—to make them happy.
Psychology of MaturityResponsibility is a sign of maturity. Fear of making decisions keeps us in a childlike state, waiting for someone else to take action. A mature person understands: their life is their choice, and consequences are their responsibility.
Circle of Influence vs. Circle of ConcernIn The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey discusses the circle of influence and the circle of concern. The circle of influence includes things we can control (our actions, decisions, reactions). The circle of concern includes things that worry us but are beyond our control (weather, other people’s actions, global events). Happy people focus on what they can change.

I can analyze, reflect, and share insights, but whether you accept them is your responsibility. Until we understand this, we will either shift responsibility onto others or take on someone else's—and in both cases, lose ourselves.