Are you the person who leaves the empty toilet roll on the handle?
Someone else's job to replace that.
Or do you get a new roll and put it on top of the old one, which is still on the handle?
Making sure no one is stuck, but not going all the way and finishing the task.
Do you remove the old one, bin it, and replace it with a new one?
Job done.
Or even better, remove the old one, replace it with a new one, bring the old one into the kitchen, and put it straight into the recycling bin?
Two jobs done.
Being proactive means focusing on what you can control, taking responsibility, and showing initiative. It’s about doing the things you can do and focusing on what changes you can make.
On the other side is being reactive, placing blame on others or outside factors, constantly putting out fires, and complaining about things.
If you want to take a more proactive approach, consider these questions:
What can I do to take more responsibility for my situation?
How can I be more resourceful?
How can I use more initiative?
What changes can I make to the way I operate that will help me reach my goals or resolve the issues I have?
Asking these questions repeatedly will lead you to frame things in a more proactive way.
Focus your attention on becoming the version of yourself you want to become or emulating the person you admire.
The toilet roll example is one way to check in and see if you are being reactive or proactive. These seemingly unimportant reactions tell the story of how our minds work..
If your goal is to lead a healthier life, are you taking the stairs whenever you can, or are you opting for the lift or elevator without thinking? These small acts show how our minds are programmed. By making the promise to ourselves to be better, especially in the menial tasks when no one is watching, we lay the foundations for a better version of ourselves. These promises, and most importantly, the acts that show commitment to them, compound over time and result in someone who has a proactive approach to all things in life.
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