When it comes to mindset, we can be in two states: a proactive mindset or a reactive one.
In this article and video, I describe the difference between these two and the many benefits of a proactive mindset. I also give you advice on how to be proactive (not reactive) when it comes to having work you love.
What's the difference between a proactive and a reactive mindset?
A proactive mindset is action and results-oriented. It anticipates problems and looks into identifying opportunities.
A reactive mindset waits for things to happen and then reacts to them.
That may sound a bit abstract so let me give you a practical example: let's look at fire safety!
Now a proactive approach to fire safety would be to make sure you don't have anything inflammable near to an open flame, to make sure your fire alarm is working, etc.
The reactive approach is: "Oh no, something's on fire!!! How do we put it out?"
I think you can guess from that example which mindset feels more comfortable to be in.
Remember that a proactive one is also about identifying and taking advantage of opportunities. If you want to create a life you really love, identifying and taking advantage of opportunities is so important.
If my fire safety example didn't convince you, here are some other great advantages of proactivity for you:
a proactive mindset is positively correlated with
- job performance and
- team performance
- job satisfaction including pay and advancement.
Plus it's great for being a leader and entrepreneurial pursuits.
How to shift into a proactive mindset when it comes to work you love:
As promised I also wanted to introduce you to a distinction that can help you shift into a more proactive mindset when it comes to work. Since I love helping people have work they love, I wanted to show you how you can apply it to that area.
Now, often people talk about searching for work they love or searching for their passion or (a bit better) finding their passion and finding work they love.
But can you see how there's still an element of reactivity in it?
If you're finding something you're not proactively going out into the world and making it happen so that's why I encourage you to shift from talking about finding work you love to creating work you love.
How are you going to adopt a more proactive mindset in your life?
I'd love to see what you come up with. Just comment below!
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Great points! I try to anticipate things that might happen as I plan my days and weeks, to see how I can best prepare for them.
Hi Mark, I think that’s a really helpful approach. Thanks for sharing!
This is awesome. I’m currently reading the 7 habits of highly effective people, and this is the first habit! Super cool. What I focus on is paying attention to what I can have an influence on rather than worrying myself with what I can’t control. I feel that’s a good way to move towards proactivity
Thanks for bringing up that book, Oskar, it’s such a classic! I’ll go take a look at the chapter you mentioned.
“What I focus on is paying attention to what I can have an influence on rather than worrying myself with what I can’t control.”
Yes, I think that’s such a useful approach.
Action creates opportunities! Thanks for pointing this out Bere.
You’re very welcome, Todd!
I usually say respond vs react – but I fundamentally I think we have a similar point of view. I hope others take the time to check out your meditation. 🙂 Great value!
Thanks so much, Jackie!