I recently realized that my perception of responsibility is highly dependent upon the outcome of the event.

As a team that I led was heading into a decision with positive expectations, I firmly believed that my input had very little do with the potential success of my team. I thought about all of the positive contributions from my teammates, and how their input had more weight than anything I had done.

But after the decision went the other way, I now feel the exact opposite.

I think about all of the things that I could have done differently to possibly turn things in our favor, and deep down I feel responsible for our shortcomings.

Rationally I realize that this is ridiculous, but as I’ve gone through the process, I actually think there’s power in this way of thinking.

Ask any successful sports coach, and odds are they’ll give the credit to their players when they win, and the coach will take the blame when they lose.

I used to think this was all an act. That the coach was just putting forward a humble front to win over his players and look good in the public eye.

But now that I’m experiencing this mindset change firsthand, I’m not so sure.

-Brandon