Being proactive is not only the source of our successes but also the source of our self-respect.

Every situation presents a choice between being reactive or proactive. Stepping between stimulus and response, cooling down our impulses, and choosing the most optimal behavior is the key to our self-actualization. In other words, we want to move from Victim Mode (externally influenced) to Creator Mode (initiative-taking).

Below you'll find the only tool you'll need for operationalizing proactivity and taking control of your life.

Targeted Thinking 🎯

Let's imagine we encounter an obstacle/challenge while working toward something meaningful to us.

• If you're in Victim Mode, your Self-Talk may look something like this: "I don't want this, Why is it happening to me?"

• If you're in Creator Mode, you'd say to yourself: "What do I want? Good. And, now what needs to be done? Great."

The bolded questions are the essence of Targeted Thinking. Notice how the Proactive Creator has a relentless solution focus, while the Reactive Victim loses control of the whole situation as he/she complains.

From Victim To Creator... To Hero 🚀

"You want to wear scars like medals."

If you're trying to live your most heroic, optimized life, you need to know that it's not going to be easy. Heroes fight dragons, they don't sidestep lizards. Expect challenges and use the little opportunities to practice for the big ones.

When you fail (and if you don't fail, you're not trying hard enough) go from Victim Mode (something is wrong with me) to Hero Mode (this is a reverse indicator that I’m on the right path, that I’m up to something).

Then, practice some Targeted Thinking and move forward with hope, one step at a time.