Do you tend to struggle with taking accountability for your actions? Do you find yourself shifting the blame off of yourself and onto another person or situation? If you do, know that many people struggle with that same issue. Being able to acknowledge that you have shifted the blame in the past is a powerful first step in changing that behavior. Working with a mental health professional will help you better understand why you are behaving and responding in the way you are. Here are a few different ways you can begin your journey of changing your behavior away from blame-shifting.
#1. Know When You Are Doing It
Try to acknowledge when you are exhibiting this behavior. Hit the pause button and analyze your situation. Who is involved? What blame are you shifting? What are you feeling? Answering these questions can help you better understand your behavior and the best way to work through and change it.
#2. Decide to Stop Doing It
Deciding to change a behavior is an essential part of the change process. You must decide that you want to make a change for the behavior to actually change. Make a choice to stop shifting the blame in situations, and stay consistent with your choices.
#3. Notice Your Behavioral Patterns
Understanding your behavior patterns will help you better understand the root causes of that behavior. Understanding where behaviors are coming from can help you move forward and begin the healing process. Past trauma can significantly affect current behavior even when it appears to be unconnected.
#4. Create Your Goals
Determine what it is that you want to work toward — what are your goals? How do you want to improve yourself? What type of behavior would you like to exhibit, and what behaviors would you like to not see in yourself anymore?
Shifting blame can become a significant problem. However, learning to change your behavior can be challenging. Work to acknowledge when you are shifting blame. What are you feeling during those moments? Make a choice to stop exhibiting this behavior, and determine what your goals are. Here at The Guest House, we understand that mental health issues are often very complex, and you may not fully understand why you are exhibiting certain behaviors. We are here to help and support your healing and growth. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more about how we can help you.