Stop before you make a decision to consider all possible outcomes of your choice. For example, before you accept an invitation to a party, ask yourself if attending could have any negative consequences, such as the possibility of indulging in underage drinking or drug use. Before you decide to eat fast food, ask yourself if your choice could negatively affect your health or the eating habits of your children.
Meet the immediate needs of the people around you. For example, if your elderly mother is having trouble with her arthritis, offer to wash her dishes. If your son is struggling with his math homework, sit down and discuss the problems with him. Responsibility does not mean picking up the slack of others who were too lazy or inconsiderate to do their own work, but instead means helping those who may need assistance.
Pay attention to your community. Look for genuine ways to demonstrate responsibility. You don't need to volunteer to pick up trash at a park or to help at a local animal shelter in order to be a responsible citizen. Even putting your soda can in the recycling bin or picking up a piece of garbage you dropped demonstrate responsible behavior.
Spend some time thinking about your own needs and desires. Focus on something specific you want and consider how to achieve that goal responsibly. Think of other people in your life who exhibit good examples of responsible behavior and planning and consider ways you can become more like them. When you spend time consciously thinking about responsibility, you will learn to unintentionally think responsibly.
Educate yourself on issues in your community. One of the most important ways you can be responsible is to know what issues directly affect you and your neighbors. If you understand what your local problems are, you will be better equipped to face those issues. Read your newspaper, attend local meetings and talk to people in your community to find out what's going on and what ways you can help your neighborhood become a better, safer place in which to live.