Your Personal Citizenship Report Card
On the ripple effect of your resolutions and choices
Each time I step outside my room to clean the foot mat at the door, clean the entrance, and mop it, I remember the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
“Let everyone sweep in front of his door, and the whole world will be clean.”
Apart from the literal sense of it, it also reminds me of the importance of personal accountability and how it also shapes the footprint you leave in society.
You know, I sometimes begin to wonder how near-perfect the world would be if we didn’t have to worry about a drunk, reckless driver on the street. Or the likelihood of another person putting your life in jeopardy by their action or inaction. You can imagine how our lives seem to be intertwined with that of others. Even if they are people you have never met.
And when you reflect on certain issues, for instance, an individual’s right to vote, you realise it takes first being a good citizen to oneself to be a good citizen that contributes to the community. Like you only give what you have. I mean how you love yourself enough to want to make the choices that are less likely to jeopardise your personal growth and career success is likely the same orientation that would guide you when the decisions you make affect others.
A continuous, conscious choice
A conscious choice to not waste water in your apartment because it puts a strain on water resources and may limit access for your neighbour who also needs it. It’s funny the kind of face some people make when you tell them not to waste water. They just don’t get it.
A conscious choice to not drop any waste (even if it’s a piece of paper or food waste) indiscriminately because they pose health risks to the environment and affect people in the long run.
A conscious choice to not be late to your work because someone whose progress depends on your timeliness may be affected.
A conscious decision to have quality financial intelligence, because how you manage and spend your money affects the economy of your community.
Add yours…
The ripple effect of self-accountability
Can you now see how your values, beliefs, and choices form the cornerstone of not just your life but also that of the affairs of your community?
If you were to be issued a personal citizenship report card, what would your scores be?
When you hold yourself accountable for your actions.
When you carry yourself responsible for your personal growth and development.
When you are intentional with your choices, from daily habits to major life decisions.
When you prioritise your well-being.
When you have a mindset of continuous learning.
When you are in constant pursuit of your self-awareness.
They also create a ripple effect and significantly influence your roles as a citizen.
What are you doing better going forward?
Stay BAKE!
This is a direct nudge to live responsibly. Thank you for your consistency.
Thank you for this great piece. I love how you show the relationship between one's personal growth and development and patriotism. God bless you. I have a role to play indeed.