In previous posts, I’ve outlined my theory of Gumption about making small changes in behavior that lead to big changes in results.
I’ve also posted how personal responsibility is related to Gumption, what being personally responsible means, and why it’s necessary to take 100 percent responsibility for yourself.
This leads me to ask: Is it possible to combine gumption with Gumption and personal responsibility to create a brand new word? Yes. It’s gumptionable.
Where did I get the idea of adding -able to gumption to coin the word gumptionable. I credit Scott Ginsberg, a new friend from the National Speakers Association, for the inspiration behind gumptionable. Scott’s newest book, -able?, (that’s right – four letters –a b l e ) summarizes his theory of the universe: the only thing in life you have control over is yourself.
Scott is a prolific blogger and has challenged his readers to invent their own -able word. Because I had all of the pieces of this puzzle in place, creating gumptionable was the logical next step. No coincidence. Thank you, Scott.
Let’s put the puzzle pieces together …
The conventional term gumption has these meanings:
- Sound practical judgment, with synonyms including: common sense; ability; intelligence; sagacity; shrewdness; cleverness
- Fortitude and determination,with synonyms including: guts; moxie; initiative; backbone; grit; spirit; spunk; courage; nerve; daring; enterprise
The theory of Gumption combines Forrest Gump’s three personality traits integrity, presence, and receptiveness with these four key areas of daily living: choice, opportunities, adversity, and communication. By combining both elements, I came up with these seven principles that lead to success:
- Use common sense to drive Integrity.
- Practice spirited Presence.
- Be determinedly Receptive.
- Make shrewd Choices.
- Take Opportunities with daring.
- Face Adversity with courage.
- Initiate good Communication.
I discovered that one common denominator ‘personal responsibility’ is actually REQUIRED in all seven aspects to achieve success. Hence, gumption plus Gumption boils down to personal responsibility. And knowing that personal responsibility only works with a 100 percent commitment, it made sense to define gumptionable as being 100 percent responsible for all of one’s actions and interactions.
Personal Responsibility in Each Principle
Each of these seven fully described principles could end with this conclusion: If you accept 100 percent responsibility for (fill in blank), then your world and the next guy’s world will be a better place.
- Use common sense to drive Integrity. If we define integrity in its simplest form, then guiding it is as simple as the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not just an adage, the Golden Rule is the oldest ‘common sense’ principle we have.
- Practice spirited Presence. To be in the moment is to focus all one’s energy and attention toward a given activity. To do so in a spirited manner is the difference between lackadaisical and enthusiastic.
- Be determinedly Receptive. Receptive people are open, interested, and nonresistant to others and their ideas. Determinedly receptive raises the level of consciousness when interacting with others to an intentional or purposeful act. It eliminates chance.
- Make shrewd Choices. Everything we do is a choice. Shrewdness requires attention to details, astute reasoning, and practical sharpness. Basing one’s choices on thoughtful consideration necessitates discipline and a willingness to be accountable.
- Take Opportunities with daring. Opportunities can be taken or not taken. To be daring means taking risks and being courageous. Taking only small or safe opportunities is the same as choosing mediocrity. Daring opportunists are people who make things happen and change the world.
- Face Adversity with courage. It happens! Life isn’t fair. Obstacles always arise. Adversity is not within our control. Dealing with adversity is a difference maker in this life: To quit requires no courage, but to overcome and proceed takes wit and guts.
- Initiate good Communication. Communication is the act or process of interchanging thoughts, opinions, or information. To initiate is to begin, set in motion, or originate. To set in motion the exchange of ideas is selfless and generous and potentially productive.
So you see, gumptionable is a way of being that allows you to make your own world, and by default the world around you, a better place by being 100 percent personally responsible for all your actions and interactions.
How gumptionable are you?
In what areas of your life are you neglecting to take personal responsibility? In what areas do you only take partial responsibility, instead of 100%? What one thing could you give up today that would make you instantly more gumptionable?
Please share your answers in the comments!
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Next Blog Date: August 31, 2010