Life is demanding, hence we love to be led, told what to do, and be absolved of responsibility. One thing less to worry about seems often like a really good idea. Yet, when you turn over responsibility, you give up control and agency, and the opportunity to formulate your own approach or direction.
When you order takeout for dinner, you give up control over the ingredients in your food and what nourishes your body for the convenience of not having to cook. When you go to the doctor and come unprepared to discuss your own research and preferred approach, you give up control over what goes into your body or the logistics of your healing process. When you do something because “somebody said so” or someone “told you to,” you relinquish the opportunity to create your very own experience, instead living someone else’s reality.
Of course, nothing is ever black and white. Without followers we would all need to be leaders and that doesn’t make sense in a universe of polarities. Some of us just prefer to be followers, and sometimes we decide when to be led and when to lead. Nevertheless, it’s good to do research and make an informed decision in order to have an opinion that’s grown on your own turf instead of someone else’s. Being responsible is empowering, if involved and more demanding. You have the opportunity to choose many times each day.