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The Principle of Choice
Habit 1: Be Proactive is about taking responsibility for our lives. This is the first habit because every other habit depends on our ability to act proactively rather than reactively—to make things happen rather than waiting for them to happen.
One of the key ideas in this habit is that we have the freedom to choose our response. When things happen to us, we get to decide whether to focus on what we can change or to get stuck waiting, complaining, and worrying.
One of the most important indicators of whether we’re responding proactively or reactively is the language we use. When we use proactive language we say things like “I can” or “I get to.” When we use reactive language we say things like “I can’t” or “I have to.”
When we use consistent, proactive language it affirms our capacity to choose and reflects and reinforces a proactive approach to life.
The Circle of Influence
When we’re proactive, we focus our efforts on our Circle of Influence®. We work on the things we can do something about. This allows us to expand our influence over time and create more choices and opportunities. When we’re reactive, we get stuck focusing on our Circle of Concern™—on things over which we have little or no control.
“As you study the other six habits you will see that each depends on the development of your proactive muscles. Each puts the responsibility on you to act. If you wait to be acted upon, you will be acted upon.”
Assume responsibility and focus on the things that can be influenced rather than what can’t.
Define clear measures for success and create a plan to achieve them—in the next few hours, over the next few months, or across a lifetime.
Listen, understand, and honor others’ perspectives, and have the courage to express thoughts and feelings respectfully.
Leverage different perspectives to solve problems, innovate, and achieve more than any one individual alone.
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