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FranklinCovey Blog
Be Proactive – The Most Important Habit
I am often asked if there is one habit out of the 7 Habits that is more important than the others. Of course, if you ask me all the habits are important and they form an inter-connected whole or a continuum. I believe for maximum effectiveness, you have to build from one to the other and apply them consistently. From that perspective, Habit 1: Be Proactive provides the foundation for all the other habits. Habit 1 is, undoubtedly, the foundation for leadership at home or at work because it begins with the mindset “I am responsible for me, and I can choose.”All the other habits are dependent upon being proactive and choosing to master and practicing principle-centered living.
The key to being proactive is remembering that between stimulus and response there is a space. That space represents our choice- how we will choose to respond to any given situation, person, thought or event. Imagine a pause button between stimulus and response-a button you can engage to pause and think about what is the principle-based response to your given situation. Listen to what your conscience tells you. Listen for what is wise and the principle-based thing to do, and then act. Have you done this? I would love to hear how your experiences have changed.
Remember being proactive becomes much more powerful when connected and related to the other habits. The key to the habits is the power of their combined synergy and meaningful purpose.
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8 Comments to Be Proactive – The Most Important Habit
Yes, I have done this. Too many times, I still go with my first instinct to fight, get mad, etc. It is a real sense of empowerment when you do step back before making a decision and then go against your natural reactive approach and become proactive. I
July 22, 2009
[...] the FranklinCovey Blog, on being proactive: The key to being proactive is remembering that between stimulus and response [...]
MaryJuly 23, 2009
I am learning to be more proactive in my life… in every area of my life. And I am just now reaping the results of these actions. I am no longer the victim… I own my own choices or lack there of. I can choose to act instead of react. Thanks to all of you at Franklin Covey for making such a difference in my life.
Blessings, Mary
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Bikas PAtnaikJuly 25, 2009
I agree that being proactive is the basic foundation to all the other habits. It takes real courage and practice to become proactive but in the end it pays huge dividends. Being proactive is what good leadership is about.
MarkJuly 26, 2009
Yes, I practice being proactive. I recently broke up with my long term girl of over 5 years.
She betrayed me. In this happening to me. I decided to learn about relationships. I took responsibility for my part of the situation. I focused on work and a creative project.
Then I decided to have fun! Why not? I went to New York City and just got back from Europe. I am still healing, but I chose to forgive and learn. The purpose here is to be a model for my friends. One day if they go through something like this I hope they can see how I handeled it and be inspired.
JamesJuly 29, 2009
I have just begun to use the knowledge in this book in all aspects of my life, and I can honestly say, I feel like I have more time, and am more relaxed an appreciative of what I have, such as life, family, friends, etc. I often pause to really assess my choice when dealing with the misbehaviors of my son. Since I have chose to be more responsible, loving and understanding, his behavior has improved dramatically. I have recommended this book to others and feel that the information, if really applied, would benefit everyone in all walks of life. Thank you
WilsonAugust 24, 2009
This book is highly recomended for everybody,it wil make u want to take full control of ur life
MadhuOctober 27, 2009
I learned to be proactive because I choose to take responsibilty for my action. Being proactive gives us more time to handle a situation and less time to react.
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