Life is really busy right now for most everybody I know. I took some time today to evaluate my daily schedule to make sure that I’m making the most of my time each day. I find myself reacting too much. I want to be more proactive. Here’s a brief analysis of the differences between proactive and reactive behavior. I picked this up at a seminar a couple of years ago.
Proactive Behavior Reactive Behavior
Goes the extra mile Does the minimum
Exceeds expectations Meets expectations
Takes calculated risks Risk Adverse
Independent thinker Needs to be told
Anticipates problems Solves problems
Seeks new solutions Relies on status quo
Questions/Challenges Assumes
Multi-functioning thinking Focuses only on “my job”
Goals To-do lists
September 9, 2009 at 5:13 am |
When you look at the “proactive” list, you quickly see that each item requires more time than it’s “reactive” counterpart. We’d like to think that means that the need for reaction is minimized, but I think the reality is more basic. The “proactive” person, in shaping events, doesn’t do every specific thing that he “should.” Rather, he leaves some things “undone” to focus on the fewer things he can excel at relative to those around him.
Did Jesus handle the money? Did He make passover arrangements? Did He go fetch His own donkey?
September 9, 2009 at 11:59 am |
that’s the kick in the pants i needed.