Discovering the Effortless Life, Part 2 – Responsibility

In my previous blog, Discovering the Effortless Life, Part 1 – Acceptance, I introduced the Law of Least Effort, which is based on The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. There are three key principles:

Acceptance – I will practice acceptance. Today, I will accept people, situations, circumstances, and events as they occur. I will trust that this moment is exactly as it should be, because the universe is as it should be.

I will not resist the present moment. My acceptance is total and complete—I accept things as they are, not as I wish they were.

Responsibility – Having accepted things as they are, I will take responsibility for my circumstances and for any events I perceive as problems.

I understand that taking responsibility means not blaming anyone or anything for my situation—not even myself. I recognize that every problem is an opportunity in disguise, and by staying alert to these opportunities, I can transform the moment into a greater benefit.

Defenselessness – Today, I will remain grounded in defenselessness. I will release the need to defend my point of view or persuade others to adopt it. I will remain open to all perspectives, without rigid attachment to any particular one.

Let’s Dive into the Second Principle: Responsibility

Having accepted things as they are, I will take responsibility for my situations and for all those events I see as problems. Deepak Chopra

Notice how the principle of Responsibility begins with Acceptance. This highlights the foundational role that acceptance plays in enabling responsibility. Only when we stop resisting what is can we clearly see what we are dealing with—and then take meaningful responsibility for it.

Often, what we perceive as problems are based on our personal interpretations and assumptions. But is our perspective the full truth—or just a partial view?

Taking responsibility means owning our response to situations, regardless of how they arose. Even when circumstances are beyond our control, we are still responsible for how we respond to them. That response is always within our power.

It’s often more empowering—and more peaceful—to take ownership rather than avoid responsibility or shift blame. Everything that comes our way may carry a hidden purpose or lesson. Even if it doesn’t make sense in the moment, treating it as our responsibility brings a sense of clarity and peace.

I know that taking responsibility means not blaming anyone or anything for my situation (and this includes myself). Deepak Chopra

This is a crucial insight. True responsibility frees us from guilt, frustration, and resentment. When we stop blaming others—or ourselves—we allow healing and growth to take place.

Think about how often we instinctively look for someone to blame when things go wrong. Sometimes we even turn inward and dwell in self-pity or shame. But what benefit does blame bring? It only deepens our internal struggle.

By fully accepting our circumstances and taking ownership without blame, we free ourselves from stress and unnecessary suffering. In this space, we find peace and clarity—hallmarks of an effortless life.

I also know that every problem is an opportunity in disguise, and this alertness to opportunities allows me to take this moment and transform it into a greater benefit. Deepak Chopra

This final point reminds us of the importance of awareness. Staying present and observant helps us recognize opportunities in even the most challenging situations.

Just as ten people can witness the same event but describe it ten different ways, so too can we choose how we view what happens in our lives. Some will focus on the negative, others on the possibilities. Some zoom in on the details, while others see the big picture.

We always have the power to decide: is this a problem, or is it an opportunity?
When we choose to see challenges as opportunities to grow, learn, or contribute, our mindset shifts.

Our energy goes toward improvement, not worry. Our hearts open to transformation, not resistance. This is how we grow into more capable, compassionate, and mature individuals.

With Acceptance and Responsibility, we begin to unlock the path to a truly effortless life.

In Part 3, I will explore the third and final principle: Defenselessness.

Until then, I invite you to continue your personal development journey with the free resource, Mind Shift – 7 Day Mental Diet.

And if you haven’t yet enrolled in the upcoming Master Key Experience (MKE) class, now is the time—click here to sign up.