Spill a cup of coffee in your lap and get burned? That's okay, it's not your fault — sue the restaurant! Get fired for doing a lousy job? Go buy a gun and teach your boss a lesson! We've all read the headlines... it seems we're all victims and no longer accountable for our own lives and actions. As long as there are others to blame, we can do just as we please — right? Wrong.

These examples are extreme, but they do suggest a frightening trend in this country and other parts of the world, where people often see themselves as victims. And as such, they cease to take responsibility for their lives and actions. Not only does the world owe them, but if something goes wrong along the way, watch out, because someone besides themselves are going to take the fall and the blame.

One of the most recurrent themes in the letters I receive is that of someone involved in an affair and who now seeks some sort of affirmation that what they're doing is justified. The most popular excuse is that they, out of no fault of their own, are unhappy and unsatisfied in their current relationship. My wife just doesn't give me what I need. My husband spends too much time at the office. The spark just seems to have vanished from our relationship... yadda., yadda, yadda.

Well it's high time indeed that we stop blaming others for our own indiscretions, mistakes, poor decisions, and bad situations. Didn't get that promotion at work? Try working harder. Denied credit? Start making your payments on time. Not happy in your relationship? How much effort are you really putting into it?

Sure, it's easy to put our heads in the sand and play the victim, but by doing so, we give up our dignity, our self-respect and our pride. Contrary to popular belief, life isn't easy and no one owes us anything. The simple truth is; we still have to work and sacrifice for what we want in this world. If we want success, happiness, fulfillment, etc., it's up to each of us to go out and fight for it.

Find the courage to face your problems and affect positive change in your life — do it today.