Whatever Works

A toolkit for self optimization

1.14 If You See a Job, It’s Yours

If you recognize that something needs to be done, take responsibility for doing it.

Motivation

It is easy and comforting to complain about problems and feel upset that other people aren’t doing their jobs properly. However, neither complaining nor being upset resolves anything. Taking action, or otherwise initiating a solution, can both fix the problem at hand and alleviate negative emotions, as well as inspire others to be proactive about tackling problems they see.

Benefits

Fixing things can be empowering for you and inspiring for others.
It’s better to take action and address problems than blame others for what isn’t getting done.

Challenges

Not every problem can be yours to solve. If this culture becomes too ingrained, you may become inhibited from mentioning any issue you can’t immediately fix.

Application

The fundamental principle here is that if you see something that’s wrong, broken, or problematic but that can be fixed, it will be more empowering for you to step up and take action than to become frustrated or neglect the issue. At Burning Man, this concept is considered so important that it is enshrined in the event’s principles of radical self-reliance and participation.

Not every problem is immediately fixable. In some cases, you may be able to enact the solution yourself. In others, you may need to advocate for action, doing whatever you can to push a resolution forward. Whichever option you choose, take ownership of the situation and find solutions to turn it around, or recruit others to work on solutions with you. Living and working in a culture where everyone adopts this approach can be incredibly refreshing. Instead of complaining about what’s wrong, people get in the habit of making things better. It can also be contagious: When people witness others confidently taking responsibility and actively seeking solutions, they are more likely to do the same.