Proactive means thinking and acting before events occur. This method is not only useful so that you don't have to face a lot of work halfway, but it is also important to avoid problems. To become more proactive, start by taking action, accepting responsibility, and controlling response. By anticipating the future and focusing on solutions, not problems, you'll have a more agreeable and proactive perspective.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Anticipate and Act
Step 1. Think about what might happen in the future
By thinking about potential problems that could arise and being aware of possible changes, you can plan and take appropriate action.
For example, if you want to take a vacation in the near future, start setting aside money from now on to pay for food or fun activities during the holidays
Step 2. Do less urgent tasks
By getting your daily tasks done and not procrastinating, you won't run into stress later on and small tasks won't become bigger problems. A little effort at the start can save you from a bigger crisis.
Focus on preventive actions, such as checking your car's radiator water, buying groceries, or saving every week
Step 3. Prioritize the most important
The long list of tasks to complete can be overwhelming, and likely leave you going through task after task without actually completing it. Instead of doing everything at once, focus on the most important tasks and work to get them done.
If your list includes tasks like cleaning the toilet, checking the car, and rearranging the bedroom, you should focus on the most important thing, which is checking the car
Step 4. Evaluate your actions to see if they have worked
Regularly think about what you are doing. If the goal is not being met, think about how you can do it more efficiently, and come up with a new plan.
- Create a plan, checklist, or routine for completing tasks.
- Look for steps that can be omitted, combined, or shortened.
Method 2 of 3: Accepting Responsibility and Influence
Step 1. Acknowledge the problem
Only you can work towards goals and fix problems. Even if there are other people to support you, you must rely on yourself to be successful. Begin to take the initiative and face challenges when encountering problems.
Instead of blaming someone else or something, accept that the problem has occurred and work on solving it yourself
Step 2. Focus on what you can control
There's no point worrying about things that can't be changed. Use your energy and motivation to do workable tasks. This way, you can get more done and feel more positive.
For example, if you're stressed about your child's grades at school, it's pointless because you can't get him to get good grades. However, you can help him study for exams, make sure he gets enough sleep, and encourage him
Step 3. Set realistic goals
Goals can keep you motivated and push you forward. If your goals are out of reach, you are likely to be disappointed and lose the motivation to keep trying.
Instead of aiming to lose all the excess weight in one month, decide that you will swim or run 2 km every day
Step 4. Participate actively, don't just observe
Proactive people don't just sit around or listen to other people's suggestions. You must act and take an active part, such as providing input at a meeting or proposing plans for family activities.
Step 5. Be consistent
Consistency in interactions with others and in the actions taken is very important. Know how much you can handle and take small, consistent steps toward achieving your goals.
If you make promises you can't keep or have unrealistic expectations, you will disappoint yourself as well as others
Step 6. Take responsibility
You need to be able to rely on yourself to get the job done, and make sure you get it done on time. This means that you must take responsibility for each task according to their respective urgency.
Consider telling others about everything you are responsible for. That person will help you to keep going and let you know that you can do better
Step 7. Hang out with highly motivated people
You need to spend time with people who encourage you to take action and do more. If you are surrounded by people who are determined and motivated, you will be motivated too.
If you often hang out with people who are negative, lazy, or unmotivated, consider distancing yourself from them
Method 3 of 3: Controlling Responses with a Proactive Attitude
Step 1. Focus on solutions, not problems
Even though it's easier to think of a problem as a troublesome negative obstacle, try changing that mindset. Be a person who is able to solve problems and find solutions.
If you view a problem as something that can be solved, the solution will be easier to find
Step 2. Try to communicate calmly when angry or irritated
If you feel emotional while talking to someone, take deep breaths to calm yourself and focus your attention. Even though you may give in to anger, try to keep your communication calm and effective.
You can take deep breaths to calm yourself when you're angry, whether you're communicating or not
Step 3. Don't rush to negative conclusions
Even if there is an urge to judge, it's best to seek information before jumping to conclusions. An open mind will help you to think more rationally and come up with better solutions.
If someone doesn't answer your messages, consider that maybe they're very busy or not on the phone, don't immediately assume that they don't want to talk to you
Step 4. Put yourself in the other person's shoes to get a different point of view
If you have trouble understanding someone's position or want to see a more accurate picture, consider using someone else's glasses. Empathy prevents you from only seeing things from one side.
For example, if an employee or coworker is always late, try to understand why this is happening. Should he take his son to school first? Does it have a reliable means of transportation? Try to see the problem from his point of view
Step 5. Do constructive activities when you feel overwhelmed or anxious
Instead of drifting off into anxious feelings or unhealthy thoughts, try to distract yourself by doing something. Channeling energy through work will help you feel more positive and productive.
- For example, if you're stressed and can't stop thinking about whether you'll get a raise, shift your mind to simpler tasks, like sweeping the lawn or washing the dishes.
- Talking to other people is also helpful because you will get advice as well as relieve stress.
Step 6. Think about what lessons you can learn from failure
If you experience failure, try to learn from it. Think about what you could do in other ways. By turning failures into lessons, you can always move forward.
Step 7. Maintain a positive attitude
A positive attitude is not only important for a healthy and happy life, it is also an important aspect of trying to be a proactive person. Instead of fixating on the negative side of a problem, try to approach the problem positively and see it from a different perspective.
