Do you know someone who seems to have everything under control? Professional success, balanced personal life, exercise routine and always prepared for any situation. While it may seem like this person made a secret pact to succeed, the truth is more likely that they have mastered the art of proactivity.
What does it mean to be proactive?
Being proactive, as behavioral studies indicate, involves initiating actions on your own, focusing on the future and oriented towards change. In short, being proactive means thinking ahead and focusing on what you can control.
Stephen R. Covey popularized the concept of proactivity in his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Proactivity is highlighted as the first essential habit for personal and professional success.
Proactive vs. Reactive
Unlike proactiveness, being reactive just means waiting for things to happen, allowing circumstances to dictate your actions. A proactive person takes initiatives and takes action, while reactive people act as mere spectators of their lives.
Between a stimulus and a response, there is the freedom to choose your reaction. Will your response be proactive or reactive?
The 5 Ps of Proactivity
Chrissy Scivicque, in her book “The Proactive Professional”, defines the 5 Ps of proactivity: Predict, Prevent, Plan, Participate and Perform. Developing the ability to foresee future events and being ready for any problem are crucial steps towards becoming a proactive person.
- Predict: Observe patterns and be aware that past results do not guarantee future successes.
- Prevent: Face challenges head on and try to prevent problems before they become uncontrollable.
- Plan: Shift your focus from the present to the future and plan your actions to achieve your goals.
- Participate: Be an active participant in discussions and problem solving in all aspects of life.
- Perform: Demonstrate a willingness to do the work necessary to achieve your goals.
How to Be More Proactive in Life
Being proactive in life involves taking care of yourself and your surroundings, developing good daily habits. Some tips include:
- Don’t procrastinate;
- Maintain open conversations with the people around you;
- Understand that you are in control of your own choices;
- Develop self-awareness;
- Organize your mind and your life.
Being Proactive at Work
In a professional environment, being proactive means anticipating problems and actively working to avoid them. This includes developing strategic thinking skills, setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timed) goals, managing your time better, communicating effectively with coworkers, and developing a growth mindset.
The Benefits of Proactivity
Proactivity allows you to shape your own life and career according to your aspirations. Among its benefits are:
- Control over your own life: Changing from a passive observer to an active participant results in significant transformations.
- Career growth: Proactive work leads to better performance at work and the achievement of professional goals.
- Stress reduction: Proactive behaviors can prevent professional burnout when taking the initiative for change.
In short, mastering the art of proactivity not only shapes your personal and professional trajectory but also contributes to a healthy work-life balance. Being proactive means taking responsibility for your choices and actions, anticipating future challenges with confidence and determination.
