When it comes to navigating personal and professional life, our CEO Adam Balkcom believes values play a crucial role in determining our success. His post below reminds us about the importance of not seeing oneself as a victim. How we choose to handle problems that arise—whether by embracing accountability or shifting blame—can make all the difference between stagnation and growth.
Embracing Accountability: Upholding Values and Rejecting a Victim Mentality
One thing stands out to me as a defining factor in whether we stagnate or grow: our mindset.
Specifically, how we choose to handle the problems that inevitably arise can make all the difference between remaining stuck or moving forward.
There are two types of people I’ve encountered: those who see themselves as victims and those who see every challenge as an opportunity for growth. The key difference between these two mindsets is accountability. Victims often view the issues in their lives as being caused entirely by external factors—other people, circumstances, or events. They place blame outside of themselves, believing that they have no control over the situation. But the truth is, this approach leaves little room for personal growth.
On the other hand, those who thrive in the face of adversity take a different approach. They understand that while not every situation is within their control, they always have control over their response. They choose to focus on what they can learn from the situation and how they can grow. They look at each challenge as an opportunity to become stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
I like to think of every situation as a rope made up of multiple threads. Yes, there are external factors—things that are genuinely challenging and beyond our control. But I believe the first thread we should examine is ourselves. Even if 95% of the problem is caused by someone or something else, I choose to own the 5% that is my responsibility. This mindset is crucial to personal and professional development. It’s about shifting our focus from what we can’t control to what we can.
At CAM Leadership Institute, one of our cultural pillars is never falling victim to being a victim. We challenge ourselves to look inward first, to see how we can grow and take ownership of our part in any situation.
The next time you face a problem, pause before reacting.
Don’t get defensive. Instead, listen and receive the feedback you’re given. Ask yourself if there’s any truth to it and what part you can own. This isn’t about taking the blame for things that aren’t your fault; it’s about having the humility and courage to see where you can improve.
I had an experience that helped me better understand this concept. I was meditating, trying to process some difficult information someone had shared with me. I realized that dealing with feedback is a lot like managing groceries into your kitchen. You lay everything new out on the counter, and then you decide where to store things and what to discard. But the key is that you need to receive everything first before making those decisions. When you approach feedback—or any challenging situation—with a defensive mindset, you immediately start pointing out what’s wrong and dismissing what doesn’t align with your view. But when you choose to receive first, you open the door to growth.
This doesn’t mean you should accept all criticism without question. It’s important to balance receiving feedback with understanding your own worth and boundaries. Being a victim doesn’t mean staying in an unhealthy situation where you’re constantly being put down or blamed. It’s about finding that balance—being open to growth while also standing up for yourself when necessary.
I encourage you to reflect on these ideas. Is there anyone in our organization you may need to apologize to? Think about a time when someone wronged you and then came back to apologize. How did that feel? These are the moments that build trust, strengthen relationships, and foster a culture of accountability.
Commit to being a person who owns your part, who listens first, and who continually strives to grow.
When you lead with positivity and professionalism, you create a workplace where challenges are met with resilience and opportunities for improvement, not with blame and defensiveness.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Let’s keep growing.