The paradigm for being proactive is that 'I am a product of my choices' not of my circumstances.
The principle being that 'I am free to choose and am responsible for my choices. Our behaviour should be to pause and respond based on that principle. To use proactive language such as 'let's look at our alternatives' or 'I will choose an appropriate response or different approach." The result is a greater sense of initiative and self-awareness. Becoming the creative force of your life.
You can choose to go through the motions in life, or you can be proactive and create a future that you want. Become ambitious at work and take on new projects or let your boss know your interested in learning more and helping out. Continue expanding on your education whether it be for personal or professional reasons.
Pause & Respond based on Principles
Reactive behaviour lets your outside influences (moods, feelings, circumstances - the things in your circle of concern) control your response.
Proactive behaviour gives you the freedom to choose your response based on your principles and desired results. Your freedom to choose expands as you use the space between stimulus and response.
"Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change."
Expand your Circle of Influence
Your circle of influence includes those things you can affect directly. When people focus on things they can influence, they expand their knowledge and experience. They build trustworthiness. As a result their circle of influence grows.
Your circle of Concern includes all those things you care about. It's the external factors you worry about such as the economy, fighting or time delays. When people focus on things they cannot control, they have less time and energy to spend on things they can influence.
Up Next: 'Get in the Habit' with the End in Mind
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