Proactivity vs Reactivity: The Power of Self-Direction
Our self-perception is a potent force, one that can shape our lives. It’s not always an accurate reflection, often a blend of what we think others perceive. But it’s crucial to tune out these external voices and focus on our self-perception. This shift in focus is empowering, allowing us to live life on our terms, free from the influence of others.
Each journey is unique, a product of our current position and desired destination. The bridge between these two points is built through our conscious planning and action, whether intentional or not. The planning should be ours, not dictated by others. Our self-perception shapes our plans: our confidence in our knowledge and abilities, belief in a positive outcome, and conviction that we can achieve it. Others can influence these beliefs, but they should ultimately come from within.
The entire process of moving from Point A to Point B is driven by self-direction. To truly move from Point A to Point B, we must self-actualize. This means taking responsibility for our path based on our internal criteria, without external influence. It’s the difference between doing something well and doing it in the only way we could have. This is the essence of being proactive, choosing our path, and embracing the freedom of choice.
The difference between reactive and proactive people is that reactive people tend to put power in the exterior, whereas proactive people move forward with their force. Reactive people can be herded and convinced. Proactive people can contemplate and choose how to act. Reactive people are limited to the parameters they allow others to set. Proactive people see no confines, only their objectives. Reactive people will take cues from others, usually negative, because these are stronger. Proactive people are going to weigh and balance their options.
Do you look at yourself, your work, or your industry through the eyes of limitations and frustration? Do you wish for that outside world to change, or lament how that world is structured? You live reactively. Do you look at yourself, your work, or your industry through the eyes of acceptance and then think about how to work within that set establishment for your rewards? You live proactively.
Reactive people rarely achieve anything beyond emotional inner turmoil, living a life of frustration and desperation. Proactive people decide their destiny (based on their criteria), determine what makes them happy (not what impresses others), and choose the legacy they wish to leave behind (not the status quo of expectations). Reactive people die frustrated, usually following some mid-life crisis. Proactive people die, smiling, looking back at a life well-lived. Reactive people learn to regret. Proactive people learn to be thankful.
From birth, we all have a choice, not of our circumstances, but of our ability to view our circumstances. Some have a more extended ladder to climb than others. Regardless, though, life is fair. Those with more or less usually have the same number of problems; they are different problems. Life is fair because no matter how long the ladder before you, no matter the distance between Point A and Point B, we all can choose: do we proactively control the life we’ve been given, or do we reactively let others live their lives through us? No matter where we are in our lives, the choice is always before us and always with us. We can choose to change at any time.
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