Proactive

Have you ever wondered why some people never appear to have the same problems you do? Or, why do some situations never occur in that other person's life? Well, maybe that situation in your mind has happened. Once. Then, that person suddenly became a pro at preventing it from happening again. The person prevented the issue from becoming a problem because they were active. This is the power of being proactive.

Being proactive is a learned skill. Being proactive is being courageous in taking risks. Being proactive is learning from one's own mistakes and learning from the mistakes of others. Being proactive is creating desired results. Being proactive is moving your self forward.

The opposite of proactive is reactive. Do you remember the science experiment of taking a cup of vinegar and adding baking soda? The combination of elements creates a reaction. There is no controlling the gas that is created. Now, let's consider a health issue. We are all given a specific number of teeth. When those teeth are damaged, you cannot restore them to the original condition. Some teeth are genetically healthier than other teeth. However, brushing our teeth is a proactive behavior. We become reactive when we have a tooth ache due to decay and then are required to act in one manner or another to remove the pain. So, with today's science and technology, one can be more proactive by visiting a dentist for check ups. These check ups may not always be pleasant yet the act of caring for our teeth in this way more likely prevents us from the uncontrollable reaction we experience from the pain of a tooth ache.

Being proactive is a learned skill. From the time I was a small child I can recall visiting the dentist for check ups. I learned this proactive behavior and have taught this to my children also. When I was in high school I admit that money was tight. I remember visiting the dentist in high school using my income from a part time job making very small payments when insurance was not available. And I do not regret that responsibility. If anything else, besides learning the need to take care of my teeth, I learned the empowerment of being proactive in my life. I realize that other areas in my life I may need to be more proactive, but that is another article.

So, you may be asking, what is my point? While many events in our lives we seem not able to control, events do exist which we can control by our own pro-action behavior. Select an area in your life you desire to change. Consider this idea. What can I do proactively now so that this area in my life will change? You may not be able to see what you can do proactively. When this occurs, call upon some one who can help you see "outside the box." Be open to suggestions and listen without judging. Consider that many choices are available. Being proactive is moving your self forward. You do not need to feel "stuck" and always reacting to the things around you.

Another small tidbit of information - being reactive uses more energy than being proactive. Being proactive reduces the amount of stress in one's life. Less stress means you have more positive energy than negative energy. With more positive energy, you can enjoy this life you have been given. With a more peaceful life, you are empowered to be proactive. Take a risk and move forward.