Yes, all this is true, unfortunately our modern society wants it all, now. It's a conditioning that's been inoculated in the collective subconscious for a very long time; people have grown weak and dependent, most of them.

Yes, we're responsible for our lives and our choices, and there are really no excuses; still, between the black and white attitudes you described, there's plenty of gray. Switching from passive to active has various degrees of difficulty, depending on personality types, life experience etc.

This post is an excellent eye opener for people who are ready to make the change, yet it can appear judgemental for those who have low self esteem, who think they are weak and so on.

I would also add that, during my own long years of self improvement, there have been times when I felt weak, when I questioned every choice I made, when I felt that the smallest action I had to take would cost me a lot of effort. The most difficult part was to see myself objectively - and accept myself as I was.

There's no way one can change things without accepting oneself as he/she truly is, without judgement, without guilt. Just see yourself in the mirror of your own conscience, accept what you see, then change what needs to be changed.
I'm quite sure you know what I'm talking about.

Good post, I'm glad to have read it :)