People who always blame others and never take responsibility for their actions typically display these 7 traits

“Not me, it’s him/her.”

“I don’t know why this always happens, but it’s never my fault.”

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever heard this, you’re dealing with someone who refuses to own their actions. But what if this behavior goes deeper than just denial?

People who constantly blame others share key traits that keep them stuck in a cycle of avoidance.

In this article, we’ll uncover the 7 traits that define these individuals. Understanding them can finally give you the clarity you need to handle—or break free from—their toxic pattern.

1) Deflection of blame

It’s no secret that those who constantly blame others and avoid taking responsibility are experts at deflection.

This trait is more than just annoying, it’s a sign of a deeper issue. Those who deflect blame are unable to accept their role in any given situation. Instead of acknowledging their mistakes, they find a way to shift the focus onto someone else.

It’s a classic defense mechanism, a way to protect their ego from the harsh reality of their own shortcomings. But it’s not a healthy way to handle mistakes or failure.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It hinders personal growth and fosters negative relationships with those around them.

As renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “We cannot change anything unless we accept it.” It’s a simple truth that those who deflect blame are unwilling to accept.

2) Lack of self-awareness

In my personal experience, I’ve noticed that people who constantly pass the buck lack self-awareness. Let me share a story with you.

A few years back, I was working on a project with a coworker. Let’s call him John. When our project didn’t meet the deadline, John immediately pointed fingers at everyone else on the team. He blamed tardiness, lack of commitment, and even mentioned that some of us didn’t have the right skills.

What John failed to acknowledge was his own procrastination and lack of effort throughout the project. He was usually the last one to arrive at meetings, and missed deadlines for his part of the work.

John’s lack of self-awareness was a glaring issue. He didn’t seem to see his own faults and was quick to highlight everyone else’s. This trait is common in individuals who constantly blame others and refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

3) Egocentrism

Egocentrism is another trait found in those who habitually blame others and shirk responsibility. These individuals tend to view the world solely from their own perspective, ignoring the feelings, needs, or viewpoints of others.

People stuck in an egocentric mindset project their own emotions or actions onto others, which is a key reason they place blame so readily. This lack of empathy prevents them from understanding the consequences of their behavior on others.

This trait not only damages relationships but also limits their ability to introspect and grow. If someone believes they’re never at fault, they’ll never recognize a need for change.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s quote resonates here: “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.” This is crucial for those with an egocentric mindset who need to step outside themselves to truly comprehend their actions and responsibilities.

4) Negative attribution style

Consistently blaming others and avoiding responsibility is a hallmark of a negative attribution style. Individuals with this pattern attribute negative outcomes to external factors, while taking credit for positive ones.

Successes are seen as the result of their own abilities, while failures are always someone else’s fault.

They also generalize negative events, believing they will happen again in the future. This creates a cycle where avoiding responsibility only fuels the blaming behavior.

Renowned psychologist Martin Seligman captured it perfectly: “Optimism is invaluable for the meaningful life. With a firm belief in a positive future, you can throw yourself into the service of that which is larger than you are.”

Breaking free from this negative attribution style is crucial for taking responsibility and fostering a healthier, more optimistic outlook on life.

5) High self-esteem

This trait might surprise you. We associate high self-esteem with positive characteristics, like confidence and resilience. However, when it comes to people who habitually blame others and don’t take responsibility, high self-esteem can actually contribute to the problem.

You see, these individuals have an inflated sense of their own abilities and importance. This high level of self-esteem can lead them to believe that they are infallible, that they couldn’t possibly be the ones at fault.

In their minds, they’re too competent or too important to make mistakes, so the blame must lie elsewhere.

This inflated self-esteem acts as a barrier, preventing them from recognizing their own shortcomings and taking responsibility for their actions.

6) Fear of failure

At the root of the blame game lies a deep-seated fear of failure. Those who constantly blame others for their mistakes struggle with the consequences of admitting their own faults.

This fear can originate from many sources, such as a strict upbringing, past failures, or societal expectations. Whether learned in childhood or shaped by negative experiences, this fear drives individuals to deflect blame in order to protect their self-image.

However, this behavior only perpetuates their fear and insecurity.

By refusing to take responsibility for their actions, they deny themselves the chance to learn, grow, and develop resilience. In the end, avoiding accountability keeps them stuck in a cycle of stagnation and self-deception.

7) Difficulty in accepting criticism

Accepting criticism isn’t always easy. It can feel like a personal attack, bringing up feelings of inadequacy or incompetence. For people who consistently blame others, this discomfort is amplified tenfold.

They see criticism as a threat, something to be avoided at all costs. Instead of accepting it as a tool for growth and improvement, they deflect it onto others. This behavior stems from an inability to separate their self-worth from their actions.

When faced with criticism, instead of reflecting on it and using it as an opportunity for growth, they immediately jump to protect their ego by shifting the blame onto others.

Final thoughts: It’s about growth

Breaking free from the cycle of blaming others is essential for personal growth and healthier relationships.

While it’s easy to point fingers and avoid responsibility, this behavior only limits our potential and keeps us stuck in a pattern of denial.

True change happens when we begin to take ownership of our actions and reflect on the impact they have on those around us. It’s about recognizing that mistakes are opportunities for growth, not threats to our self-worth.

By embracing accountability and being open to self-improvement, we foster stronger connections and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves. The journey to becoming a better version of ourselves starts with taking responsibility for our actions.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

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Picture of Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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