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DELIBERATE THOUGHT IS HOW TO BE PROACTIVE
Whether stated or not, all of us want to know how to be proactive every day. None of us wants to live in a reactive state. When we do, we are caught in chaos. We feel we have no control over what is happening to us. Being reactive also leads to fatigue, an unmotivated life, and apathy. Living on purpose requires being intentional about what we do and how we spend out time. On through deliberate thought about the choices we make, the way we react, can we live as a proactive person.
I was first introduced to this concept by Stephen Covey in his great book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It is hard to believe that book is more than 20 years old. Its teaching is as true today as ever. Anyone who wants to learn how to be proactive every day should start with this book.
How To Be Proactive – Start Here
As a refresher, here are Covey’s 7 Habits…
1) Be Proactive: Take responsibility and know you’re in charge
2) Start with the end in mind: Have an end goal
3) Put first things first: Do important and non-urgent things first
4) Think Win-Win: Find situations where everyone wins
5) Seek first to understand, then to be understood: Listen before you start talking
6) Synergize: 1 + 1 = 3
7)Sharpen the saw: Invest in yourself for the best ROI
Recently I came across a video (below) that has an fresh and updated perspective on Covey’s Habits. The video is an engaging and entertaining overview of all seven habits.
Something else I’ve learned is that how you start your day is extremely important. I would go so far as say a structured morning that energizes, motivates, and focuses you could be habit #8!