Proactive behavior is self-initiated and is the result of a positive mindset, organized schedule and absolute control. It gives rise to several opportunities so that tasks can be performed efficiently. It is better to make things happen instead of waiting for them to happen any day.
A proactive person is resourceful and hence controls the situation by taking the initiative in a reasonable manner and that too within the allotted time frame. He is a problem solver and an anticipator of events.
Proactive is a change-oriented mindset that encourages you to become a responsible person on whom everyone relies on. He is willing and able to do things for the betterment of the team. Proactive capabilities can be trained and honed so that a person can achieve maximum efficiency.
Table of Contents
1) Rely on yourself
Supporting someone and taking the initiative to do something are two different things. Yes, you can expect support from friends, acquaintances and family members but be responsible for your own success. The only way to move is to move forward hence take an initiative and willingly start working to taste the sweet taste of success. You can take help from others but the actual responsibility lies with you. A proactive person will not waste his time talking about luck nor will he wait for the right time.
Any time he decides to move forward is the right time for him. Remember hardships are part of your life and the person who steps forward with a positive mindset regardless of the situation is actually a proactive person. Rely on yourself and work hard for it if you are looking for a way to be proactive.
2) Put your onus on the solution instead of the problem
Problems are an important part of life as everyone has faced it at one time or other. It creates a negative environment and can make a person depressed. A proactive person will not think about the problem instead will concentrate on the solution. Never ever focus on things that are not in your control instead look for viable solutions that can alter the outcome in your favor.
A proactive individual leads by example and handles difficulties with a cool and calm mindset. When you put your onus on the solution instead of the problem you are looking at ways to be proactive.
3) Be consistent
An important way to be proactive is by being consistent in your efforts. Some people show lots of potential at the onset but are unable to carry the momentum till the end. This has serious repercussions on a project. People lose faith and stop relying on him from that point in time. Say what you mean and do what you say is an important proverb. It is important to be consistent if you want to be proactive.
Improve your skills so as to offer productive work. Create realistic scenarios and work in accordance if you want to prove yourself as a proactive person.
4) Participate
When a person plays an active role by full participation it paves the way to be proactive. A positive mindset will encourage capable handling and leadership qualities that will prove beneficial in any given situation. Participate so that you can influence and mold the outcome as per your directive. Make viable suggestions so that no one can question your commitment to the team.
Be active in finding solutions and share your observations with confidence so as to create a favorable impression. When you are participating in every sphere of a deal you are no longer an idle observer. Remember a proactive person will exert his influence and make an important contribution by participating fully.
5) Analyze in advance
Some situations demand spontaneous actions no doubt but a proactive person will take his sweet time to analyze the situation beforehand. He will not run headlong in a situation without planning and preparation. When you make plans in advance you can easily consider the pros and cons and make a viable decision accordingly. Analyze the situation and then take steps to find the solution if you are looking for ways to be proactive.
Remember even you have made a full-proof plan something can go wrong, hence be prepared with an alternative to making changes in the present course without any undue effort.
6) Develop foresight
Develop foresight if you are looking for a way to be a proactive person. He is the one who anticipates problems and works to solve them before it can cause undue harm. A proactive person is ever ready for all the boulders in his way. He takes the time and makes the effort to understand how things are being done and what improvements can enhance work productivity.
He looks at natural cycles and patterns to recognize the routine that is being followed. His foresight is a blessing because he uses his imagination to anticipate future outcomes and comes up with different scenarios for the situation. Proactive individual works diligently to achieve the required success by keeping his wits about him.
7) Set realistic goals
It is important to dream so that you can fulfill them to your satisfaction. Do not be a dreamer only because a proactive person will make the dreams his base and work from there to achieve desired results effectively. Be the one to go after something you desire.
Set realistic goals by breaking them into smaller ones so that you can easily achieve them with minimum fuss. When a person believes only in dreaming but not in giving his 100% then he sets up unrealistic goals that lead to disappointing results. This will cause heartbreak and demoralize the person. A reasonable goal gives the confidence to do better and is a sure way to be proactive.
8) Preventive measures
A proactive person uses logic, creativity, and imagination to come up with several settings for the outcome of an event. Taking preventive measures is an important way to be proactive as it can help to change the course midway for the betterment of any event or project. He has the ability to foresee and foretell potential obstacles and overcome them with capable thinking and proper planning.
A proactive person will not allow roadblocks to hamper the event. His enthusiasm is contagious because he faces all the challenges with a positive outlook and smiling countenance. A proactive person believes in confronting, controlling and sorting out problems with a minimum o fuss.
9) Proper planning
It is important to predict outcomes and work accordingly to achieve maximum productivity. A simple way to be proactive is by planning ahead so that you can avoid any overwhelming problems. Think about the long-term and try to anticipate the outcome.
A proactive person will always make a proper plan because all the events are co-related. A single incident can have a direct impact on the chain of events. Hold yourself accountable and undertake an effective action plan. An important character trait of a proactive person is that he will choose the best possible route and stand behind his decision because he has faith in his planning.
10) Take the initiative
Most people believe in working as per schedule. They do not encourage creative thinking or taking up the initiative for the betterment of the event they are working on.
They will need permission and instructions to complete their workload. If you are looking for a way to be proactive then don’t wait for permission. When a proactive person sees that something needs to be done, he takes the initiative to do it without any promptness from others. Do not be a typical individual that waits for instructions from higher authority to do the needful.
A proactive person takes stock of the situation and if deems necessary take action immediately. He has a positive mindset that encourages him to take definite steps if it is the demand of the day.
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