5 Tips For Being A Proactive Person

Do not sit and wait for things to happen; make them happen. This is the mantra of a proactive person. And while it sounds like an advertising slogan, we’re talking about one of the many ways to define what proactivity is.

Proactive behavior means taking control of a situation and dealing with it; to be ahead. The opposite is reactive behavior, where there is only response and reaction.

Although it is usually related to the work or professional environment, being a proactive person is a highly valued quality in all aspects of life. Not only do we want to work with a person who is always willing to take action and look for a solution, but we also want to meet friends who, when they want to meet you, make a plan without making it complicated.

Recommendations for becoming a proactive person

Believing that proactivity is a given trait is almost the opposite of the definition itself. Being a proactive person involves movement, non-conformity and even a challenge to the status quo.

But to achieve this, you must do something. Here are some recommendations you should consider. Let’s take a look.

1. Be organized and realistic

Proactivity goes hand in hand with organization. Therefore, it is important to know what our pending tasks are and establish priorities.

When we think about what we have to do, we have to divide the tasks and link them to deadlines and actors. For example, there are things that depend on us (writing a report or cleaning the closet), but we can also find activities that depend on others. Therefore, their timing will not necessarily coincide with ours.

Organization also means setting realistic, clear and measurable goals, so that we set courses and can control the degree of fulfillment or progress. To help us , we can today use different applications, in addition to planners.

2. Have a flexible, but not speculative, way of thinking

Even though you are organized, it is also important to have flexibility. Sometimes situations arise that require immediate attention, so we need to be able to change our plans.

This also involves planning setbacks and realistic deadlines. However , the ability to adapt is not the same as speculation. Thinking all the time in the form of “what if” only reinforces procrastination.

So it is best to start thinking about our thoughts and check which of them fall under excuses and which have real reason to postpone the activity.

At the same time, it is important that you slow down the thinking that is judgmental and question your capacity. Why should I do such a thing if it’s going to go wrong? Why should I do that if nothing is going to change? Pessimistic views are an obstacle to proactivity and discourage you from getting started.

In cases where these thoughts are a permanent cognitive pattern that permeates all areas of life, it is recommended to consult a professional. On the contrary, a proactive person is optimistic, positive and believes that there are ways to improve.

Proactivity is also based on good habits

It is not easy to be proactive if we are tired and have little energy. Therefore, it is also important to take care of your overall health. Adequate rest and leisure, a balanced diet and physical activity are all the key. Only in this way will you be able to give your best.

4. Think about what you have and not what is missing

Proactive people think about the resources they have and what they can do with them. They do not allow themselves to be depressed by what they lack or things they can not do anything about. These are just excuses used to justify inaction.

In the same way, people who cultivate a proactive mind are honest with themselves. They can recognize when they are heading in the right direction and when they are not.

They are able to look at themselves and understand what they need to change. In this sense, they are also able to use suggestions and accept constructive criticism.

Set aside time and space for concentration

Being proactive means that we can focus on what we do, so it is important that we find an environment where we can connect to the task and avoid wasting time and interruptions.

The importance of proactivity for life

Proactivity is also linked to self-esteem. People who are more reactive remain stagnant, as on a permanent plateau, because even though they may be able to respond, they will not take the initiative.

Similarly , proactivity allows you to have some degree of control over some situations, so there is more security and confidence. When you plan, tasks are also met and performed with less stress, as we already know what lies ahead. Those who are reactive often experience stress with their tasks because they postpone them until the last minute.

Especially for group work or activities, proactivity goes hand in hand with participation. Therefore, those who are proactive tend to get involved and feel part of it.

Finally, proactivity simplifies the path to independence and autonomy, since proactive people take the lead and do not need the approval of others to move forward. When it comes to reactive people, they become dependent on the instructions or initiatives of others.

To be proactive in the right goal

Like all things in life, proactivity is positive when it is balanced and does not go to extremes. Although it is generally associated with satisfaction and productivity, it is also true that when the burden is not well distributed, a proactive and well-organized person ends up being stressed and burnt out.

Let’s think of cases where a proactive person ends up being overloaded with tasks because they are always the one who takes the lead in each project. In this situation, it is far from giving them any benefits, their Achilles heel.

It is also important to realize that proactivity has nuances. Being proactive does not mean that we want to be proactive in all areas. Some problems or activities will be more difficult for us than others.