Steve Pavlina wrote a really good entry about social responsibility. His premise of the article hinges on those things that bug you about the world. They bug you because you’re supposed to fix them.

• Steve Pavlina’s Personal Development – Why Not You?

Years ago, I decided to take a back seat to the problems of the world. I stopped watching the news and decided to focus on my own happiness. To be honest, this approach has been very beneficial to me. I’m happier and I’m less angry at the world. Now, when I notice things that really make me angry, I actually CAN do something about them because I have taken care of myself to the point that I can give some back.

I don’t take Steve’s way of viewing the world. Just because I notice a problem, doesn’t mean it’s mine. In that entry, he said:

“Responsibility for fixing the problems of the world rests on your shoulders. You can give up control, but you can never give up responsibility.”

I think he’s wrong. I take a more personal approach. I prefer the Michael Jackson view:

“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.”

After all, I’m the only person I can actually control.