Proactivity vs. Reactivity

Locus of Control and Initiative

Proactivity is not just initiative, it is the awareness that we are responsible for our own lives.

Reactive people are affected by their physical and social environment (if the weather is bad, they feel bad; if they are treated badly, they are offended).

Proactive people bring their own internal "climate"; their actions are based on selected values, not impulsive feelings or external circumstances.

Reactive vs. Proactive Language

Language is a key indicator. Reactive language absolves responsibility: "I can't," "That's just the way I am," "They drive me crazy," "I have to."

Proactive language acknowledges choice: "I choose," "I prefer," "I'll look for an alternative," "I can control my response." Changing internal and external language transforms the perception of personal power.

Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence

Reactive people focus their energy on the Circle of Worry (things they don't control: politics, economics, others' shortcomings), which creates powerlessness.

Proactive people focus on the Circle of Influence (what they can change: their habits, their response, their work). By working on what they can control, their influence grows positively.

Summary

Proactivity is the awareness of being responsible for one's own life, leading an internal "climate" based on values. Reactive people, on the other hand, are emotionally dep