PROACTIVE VS. REACTIVE THINKING
Do you often find yourself asking: How the hell did this happen?
If so, you probably have a reactive attitude towards life, instead of a proactive approach.
And if you want a better, more fulfilling life, it pays to be proactive.
People with a reactive attitude:
don’t typically take responsibility for their actions and the consequences
often find themselves “fighting fires” and dealing with crises
People with a proactive approach:
take responsibility for their actions and the consequences
don’t “fight fires” often since they prefer “preventive medicine” and looking at the long-range effects of their actions.
Now, notice we say “people with a proactive/reactive attitude” rather than “proactive/reactive people”.
Because you can choose to think and act proactively or reactively — it’s not “who you are.” All it takes is some self-awareness.
Notice when you are telling yourself reactive things like:
I can’t believe ____ happened! Now I can’t ____.
I would have done ____, but they/the weather/my dog/____.
Why does this always happen to me?
How can you become more proactive?
Here are some ways to start acting more proactively:
Control and manage the things you can control and manage. Do the best you can with what you have.
Anticipate and plan. Look ahead. Few things are shocking. Bad weather in winter, long lineups at the airport, or meetings at the office should not come as a shock.
Be solution-oriented, not problem-oriented. Focus on what you can DO right now, rather than how much things suck.
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