Habit 1 Be Proactive Proactive People Know what

Habit 1 – Be Proactive

Proactive People • Know what they stand for and have a strong set of values • Listen to their “better selves” • Realize they have choices and take responsibility for those choices • Bounce back when something bad happens in their lives • Always look at all options • Focus on things they can do something about, and don’t worry about the other things

Proactive Language vs. Reactive Language • “ If only …” • “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. ” • “Who does he think he is anyway? ” • “Can we talk about this first? ” • “Leave me alone, you jerk. It’s non of your business!” • “I just cant decide!”

We can control only one thing: Ourselves

• Look at the following list and identify the things you cannot control and the things you can control. • Weather What you eat Past Mistakes Others’ behavior Your Language Accidents Your choices Partners’ Behavior TV watching Parents Attitude Birth Place Exercise

The Victimitis Virus • Some people suffer from a contagious virus called “Victimitis” • People infected believes that everyone has it in for them • Example – “I would be starting, but the coaches have something against me. ” • Reactive people : are easily offended, blame others, get angry and say things they will later regret, whine & complain, etc. • Mark Twain quote “Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first”

Can Do People • Being proactive really means two things – You take responsibility for your life – You have a can do attitude • Can Do People – Take initiative to make it happen – Think about solutions and options – Act

• No – Can – Do People – Wait for something to happen to them – Think about problems and barriers – Are acted upon • Please read the story on page 64. Once you are finished please select an experience you have gone through which relates to a Can – Do person

Reactive People Reactive people make their choices based on feelings, moods, and emotions. Proactive people think before they act and take responsibility for their choices

Pushing Pause

Power Tools • Self – Awareness – I can stand apart from myself and observe my thoughts and actions • Conscience – I can listen to my inner voice to know right from wrong • Imagination – I can envision new possibilities • Will Power – I have the power to choose Please read “Human Tools in Action” pgs 68 – 70.