Being proactive is a wonderful quality to have. It’s what sets apart the followers from leaders, and empowers not only you but the people around you. It helps you be more effective, a team be more effective, and ultimately the world!
Taking initiative and being a more proactive person can make a difference and not only your personal life but your professional one as well. If you’re looking for ways to be more of a go getter, then here are five ways to be more proactive.
Make Lists
Making lists is a way of setting goals for yourself with the intention of achieving them. By creating a list you give yourself a clear and specific set of things that you need to get done. Whether it’s making an appointment to repair your air conditioner, or starting your own business, a list is a powerful way to help you stay focused.
By setting these clear goals you’ll be more inclined to take initiative and check the list off as you go. Don’t forget to celebrate at each milestone. No goal is too small to be celebrated!
Plan Ahead
One thing that proactive people have in common is that they plan ahead. They anticipate any potential challenges and things that could come up and plan around them. It’s not to say that they wait for problems to arise, but they rather think about what might go wrong and develop strategies accordingly.
For example, if you have a deadline approaching, but you know that it’s flu season, you might take extra precautions to stay healthy. By thinking ahead and staying prepared, you can not only avoid hitting obstacles, but you can minimize your stress and ultimately increase your inner peace.
Be Accountable
Proactive people take responsibility and ownership of their actions. They don’t waste time blaming others or assuming it’s the fault of external circumstances when things go wrong. They reflect on how they could have done things differently and find solutions. They cultivate a mindset of accountability and continuous self improvement. In other words, whenever you make a mistake, don’t see it as a downfall or something to be ashamed of, but rather an opportunity to grow and expand from there. Believe it or not, mistakes and taking responsibility can actually empower you!
Stay Positive
The only way successful people got there is by weathering the storm. Part of weathering the storm means staying positive even when things feel impossible. Develop a positive attitude, and approach life with optimism! The more confident and optimistic you are, the more likely you are to seek out opportunities rather then waiting for them to come to you.
The more resilient and positive you can be, the more motivated you’ll be to continue to pursue your goals proactively.
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