How to be Proactive Versus Reactive
July 7, 2009 No CommentsDo you ever find that you respond to a situation in a reactive way? Do you ever lose your patience, avoid confrontation, or lack self-discipline? I think most of us do at one time or another.
The key is to choose wisely how we use the space between the stimulus and response.
For example, let’s say that a coworker has been saying unkind things about you to other people you work with. That is the stimulus. What you choose to do with that stimulus is the response.
Reactive people allow outside influences (moods, feelings, and circumstances) to control their responses.
Proactive people pause to allow themselves the freedom to choose their response based on principles and desired results. Their freedom to choose expands as they wisely use the space between the stimulus and response.
Here is an exercise that will assist you in becoming a proactive person rather than a reactive person.
1. Think of a situation where you consistently respond in a reactive way (e.g. losing your patience, avoiding confrontation, speaking without thinking).
2. What is a better, more effective way to respond?
3. What would be the positive consequences of responding in this new way? (Who would be affected? What would be the impact?)
4. What is your commitment level to respond in this new way the next time you are in this situation? (Circle the number that corresponds to your commitment level.)
Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High
Until next time, I leave this quote with you:
“When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor Frankl
Are you proactive or reactive? Please share your thoughts below.
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