It’s Your Fault–and That’s Great News!
I’m not a Swiftie. That shouldn’t come as a shock—I’m well outside the core demographic. But don’t mistake that for dislike. I respect Taylor Swift, both as an artist and a brand builder. I watched a documentary on her recently and came away genuinely impressed by how she’s grown her career to become one of the most successful musicians of all time.
As for her music? I don’t really listen to pop, so I’m not in a position to judge. But with global appeal and massive success, it’s clear she resonates with millions.
Even I know a few lyrics through cultural osmosis. One of her best-known lines comes from the song Anti-Hero:
“It’s me, hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.”
Catchy tune. Entertaining video. And actually—surprisingly insightful.
But I’d argue there’s one idea the song doesn’t quite explore:
What if being the problem is actually the best thing that could happen to you?
Nobody Wants to Be the Problem
Like most people, I’d rather not admit that I’m the problem.
In a recent talk I gave on John Maxwell’s Law of the Rubber Band, I quoted novelist Arnold Bennett:
“The real tragedy is the tragedy of the man who has never in his life braced himself for his one supreme effort...”
I told the audience: I was that man.
I avoided risk. I passed on opportunity. I held back and stayed small.
It’s not easy to admit that.
But the truth is—I was the problem.
Here’s the Great News: If You’re the Problem, You’re Also the Solution
Over time, I’ve learned to stretch a bit more. Take a few calculated risks. Stand up straighter, as it were.
And here’s the upside:
If I was the problem… then I could also be the solution.
I didn’t need a white knight. I didn’t have to wait for the stars to align.
I just had to make different choices. Take new actions.
This ties directly into something I’ve written about before:
Locus of control.
If I believe I control my own outcomes (internal locus), then every problem is, by definition, solvable.
If I believe outcomes are dictated by fate, luck, or other people (external locus), then I’m stuck waiting—maybe forever.
Victimhood Is Loud. But Ownership Is Powerful.
Let’s be honest:
It’s hard to take responsibility when things go wrong.
Blame feels easier.
And social media practically rewards victimhood.
But life isn’t fair—and it’s not supposed to be.
You have a choice:
You can rally people around your frustrations and wait for the world to change.
Or you can take responsibility—and start changing things yourself.
Ownership might not get you viral likes, but it will get you results.
Reflect and Act
Where in your life are you blaming someone—or something—for your situation?
How has that mindset kept you stuck?
What one step could you take today to reclaim your power and start solving the problem?
Because here’s the truth:
If it’s your fault, that’s great news.
It means the solution is entirely in your hands.
