What does it mean to be proactive?

Many people come to me without a full understanding of the word proactive. What does it mean to you? Does it mean not procrastinating? Does it mean getting on the ball? If you answered yes , youre right but theres a lot more to it.

Are you the cause or effect?

If you get caught up in the idea that youre at the effect of outside forces, which we all do sometimes, then you are not viewing your life or business from a proactive perspective. What do when you dont have enough clients? Do you blame it on the economy, the interest rates, your boss, your environment in some way?

We often dont want to look inside and claim our own empowerment. Most of our training is to blame someone or something outside ourselves, to be at the effect. In my 30 years of coaching people to maximize their success, I find that a profound turning point comes when my client(s) decide to take charge and become the cause. So next time you have a shortage of clients, for example, ask yourself what action you can take? If youre not sure, find a book, a tape, or a coach that can help you know what to do. Turn your worry into action and youll find that you have the power to attract the clients you want.

Do you let outside circumstances control your response?

Lets say that one of the escrows youve been working on falls through or a client you were counting on decides to cancel? How do you react to such circumstance? Its natural to feel disappointed, but Ive seen far too many people devasted and depressed when they know they have to start all over again. The problem is that when you are controlled by the outside to the point where you can function, your productivity suffers. Then the very thing youre afraid of, usually not having enough money, becomes a reality.

Heres a tip from the Law of Attraction: You get what you focus on. Focus on the lack of escrows and what do you get? Youre right, less escrows. Focus on the lack of clients, and what do you get? Right again, not enough clients. The solution? Switch focus and do it fast. As soon as you notice that your focus is on lack, quickly think of how you want it to be. A full bank account?

A lot of clients? Escrows that stick? Whatever it is go there in your consciousness and make the switch. Then ask yourself, What action steps am I inspired to make? Inspired action will feel good, youll feel a pull from the inside. Frantic action will feel scattered and out of sync.

Being proactive means you choose your responses. Next time you fumble, ask yourself:

Am I being proactive or reactive?
Am I being the cause or the effect?
Am I focusing on what I want or what I dont want?