Habit 1: Be Proactive
The Habit of Choice
Proactive Behavior vs. Reactive Behavior
Reactive people allow outside influences (moods, feelings, and circumstances) to control their response.
Proactive people pause to allow themselves the freedom to choose their response based on principles and desired results. Their freedom to choose expands as they wisely use the space between stimulus and response.
Proactive Language
"Let's look at our alternatives."
"I can choose a different approach."
"I can control my own feelings."
"I can create an effective presentation."
"I choose."
"I prefer."
"I will."
Reactive Language
"There's nothing we can do."
"That's just the way I am."
"He makes me so mad."
"They won't allow that."
"I have to do that."
"i can't."
"I must."
"If only."