Be Proactive, Turn Your Life Around

 ‘Bhaiyya, I’m concerned about my future,’ said Rahul. ‘And dad tells me to stop worrying do something about it.’

‘Rahul’s idea of doing something is to worry and feel helpless bhaiyya,’ piped in Rinku.

‘But,’ said Rahul. ‘What can anyone do in these circumstances?’

‘Our responses to situations determine the results we get Rahul,’ said Rakesh. ‘Some people are reactive, some active and some proactive. Reactive ones are always behind the situation and that’s why they can only react. The active ones are aware of the situation and they salvage something of it. But the proactive ones are always ahead of the situation, making the best of it.’

‘How bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul.

‘Being proactive is what successful people do Rahul,’ said Rakesh. ‘Let’s say there’s a problem of irregular water supply in your neighbourhood. Reactive people worry, curse the government, and while worrying, miss the water supply when it begins. Active people are aware and ready to the situation, and they collect enough water to get by. But proactive people think ahead, decide to make the best of the situation, and create extra capacity to hold water while waiting for the water supply. Same situation, different results.’

‘So proactive people work more than necessary bhaiyya?’ said Rahul. ‘What if it goes waste?’

‘It doesn’t,’ said Rakesh. ‘On the contrary, when you’re ready, opportunities present themselves. By responding positively, you create opportunities you never imagined.’

‘How to become proactive bhaiyya?’ asked Rinku.

‘By practicing, like anything else,’ said Rakesh. ‘Take any situation that’s important to you, where you might be feeling helpless even. Approach the situation proactively with the mindset of – “how can I do the best I can to get the best result from this situation?” For example, if you’re a sportsperson and there’s no sports activity because of the pandemic. How will a proactive response be?’

‘Deciding to do the best with what’s in our control to start with,’ said Rahul. ‘Eat healthy, stay fit, work on physical, skill, mental angles to highest possible levels.’

‘Reach out to mentors, coaches, top players,’ said Rinku. ‘Research their routines, stories, lifestyles. Keep our kit ready. Be ready in every way leaving nothing to chance.’

‘But why so much effort for nothing bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul.

‘Because things change in that process,’ said Rakesh. ‘When you’re proactive, you move from being helpless to taking responsibility for things within your control. You have greater awareness and understanding of the situation. You prepare for the best possibilities, act decisively and are open to new opportunities. Being proactive is a choice, a small shift in approach. Anyone can do this. Try it.’

‘Wow bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘Instead of waiting, let me proactively get the tea powder of my choice today.’

Pro Tip: Our response to situations is the key to our growth. Being proactive is responding by taking responsibility and working towards best possible outcomes in any situation by being fully prepared in all areas we exert control over. The results will amaze you.

 

Exercise: Have students form groups of five and share one area where each one feels helpless or compromised. Let the group suggest proactive ways to get the best out of the situation by taking complete responsibility for it. Let them share their stories.