Being Proactive

There’s a lot to be said for being proactive in life instead of waiting for things to get so out of hand that you find yourself constantly under the gun. The problem is there is so much to do just to keep up with what’s going on in the present moment, who has time to think about the future? The truth is, being proactive puts us in a position of power and choice. Being reactive, which many of us are, results in stagnation and feelings of powerlessness. We find ourselves smothering under a pile of “ought to’s” and “have to’s” instead of slicing through what needs to be done like a hot knife through warm butter.

I marvel when I read about people like John Wesley who travelled over 250,000 miles, much of it on horseback, preached over 40,000 sermons, and wrote over 200 pamphlets and books. On top of that he founded the Methodist church. Oh, and did I mention he did all this in the 18th century? How did Wesley get all that done when I struggle to get my few simple tasks done each week? I believe the secret lies in being proactive. How can we be more proactive?

First, step away. By step away I am talking about getting out of the rut you are in at your desk (or in your recliner). Get up and get moving! I’ve discovered that many times a simple change in scenery will get my creative juices flowing as well as let the most important items (those I need to be proactive about) percolate up to the top of my mind. This lets what is most important stand out above the urgent matters – those trying to claim my attention even though they aren’t nearly as important. Stepping away can be as simple as taking a walk outside – or driving a different way to work – or altering your daily routine in some other way.

Second, write it down. Once you’ve stepped away and the clutter has begun to clear from your mind you will find your inner compass bringing all sorts of important stuff to mind. Make sure you write this down. And write it down so when you return to it later you will know what you meant. “Bluebird in tree” may mean something right now, but next week you won’t have a clue what you mean by that. Put a date by your note – and maybe even jot down the first action step to accomplishing what it is you think of. A Chinese proverb makes this point succinctly, “The faintest ink is better than the strongest memory.” Write that down too!

Finally, develop a system. By that I mean develop a system that works for you to keep what’s most important – what needs to be done – at the forefront of every “working” moment of your day. I have an elaborate system that involves Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar and tasks, a Moleskine planner, and an Excel spreadsheet. Your system doesn't need to be nearly as elaborate and complex as that – in fact if it is I feel sorry for you because it means you obviously have some of the same issues as me (perfectionism, OCD, general weirdness, etc…). Just develop a system that works for you; after all, it is your system.

The best thing about taking the steps given above to become more proactive is the glorious freedom that comes from not feeling constantly oppressed by “too much to do,” or by not knowing what to do next. Here’s hoping and praying it happens for you – and soon!