Currently, I am reading the classic book by Stephen Covey – The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Slowly, I am making my way through the book. The first habit in the book really got me thinking. It is “Be Proactive: Principles of Personal Choice”. After reading this habit, I really took time to think about the idea behind it.
What does it mean to be proactive? It means that we focus on taking responsibility. While that seems simple in concept, how hard is it really? We have to take responsibility for what is going on in our lives. Are you happy in your job? It’s your fault if you’re not. Why haven’t you gone back to school like you always said you would? Because you have made the decision not to. That is a very tough pill to swallow.
In my mind what Covey is saying is that we need to quit making excuses and start making our own luck. Achieve your dreams by trying to get them. Don’t let the current “circumstances” dictate your life for you… dictate your circumstances. Instead of saying that you would start a business IF you could ______; go out and start the business. Figure out the financing. Ask for contracts. Search out partners. Make it happen.
Trust me when I say that I am speaking into the mirror on this one! It seems easy to say “Be Proactive” but it’s much harder to do. It’s easier to hide behind the roadblocks than to jump over them.
In my signature line is the following quote: “You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”. It is a reminder that I have to be willing to voyage out in order to acheive my goals. In other words “Be Proactive”.
My challenge to you and myself is to really be proactive. Make your circumstances. Voyage out of safe harbor.
What is your goal? What is stopping you from acheiving it?
Be daring…be creative!
Jeremy
Jeremy Lattimore is a creative problem solving guru in the business technology field. He has been involved in startups and has his MBA. Currently, he’s obsessed with business automation/efficiency and social networks. His current start up venture is Borea Systems and he’s diligently building his Refocusing Technology blog.
3 Comments
You have to put yourself out there in order for anything to happen. Once you do I think most people are surprised at how many options open up to them.
Love the quote at the bottom of the article. “Be Proactive” certainly forces you to look at where you are and where you can be if you act.
@Jared ~ That is absolutely true. It is amazing how many doors open up when you journey out. That is why in previous posts I have written about having focus first. Too easy to get sidetracked. But it’s a great point that the doors will open.
@Film-Book ~ It is definitely something that will make you think. It did when I first read it.
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