An Introduction to the Three Circle Strategy for a Fulfilling Life by Dave Yarnes

Author:Dave Yarnes [Yarnes, Dave]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Destiny Image, Inc.

THE SKILL OF PROACTIVITY

Taking initiative, coupled with focused action, is at the heart of the needed skill of proactivity. Stephen Covey wrote about proactivity in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, in the context of taking responsibility for the direction of your life. This includes not only what you do, but also what you think. A profound change happens when we realize our life is not at the mercy of external variables. Each of us has the ability to choose, even in situations where our choices can be limited; we ultimately have the ability to choose how we view those situations.

Proactivity is self-initiated behavior that results in forward action. It is based on your realization that you are ultimately in charge of what you choose to do or not to do. Actions taken in alignment with your passion cause you to chart your course and own your life. Proactivity is taking control of your life plan and making things happen for your own advancement, rather than waiting for somebody else to make it happen. My observation is that individuals can take years waiting to be discovered while they should have been taking initiative. To say it clearly, only you can help you. This can only be done by taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions and being proactive.

REJECTING NEGATIVE THINKING

Precious time is wasted every day on self-defeating thoughts and blame-filled thinking that could have been employed in skill development. As you embark on significant life changes, you may be battered by negative thoughts, past failures, and the criticism of others. If left unchecked, these thoughts can keep you from the ultimate goal of proactively taking control and responsibility for your life decisions. Rejecting negative thinking is a skill.

Here are examples of negative thoughts that hinder proactivity and progress which should be rejected:

She makes me angry.

I’m just like my father.

It’s just not in the cards for me. I’m not old enough.

I’m too old.

Proactive thinking—She can’t make me angry; it’s always my choice on how I will respond. It’s me. I won’t blame others any more. I have seen people realize with a jolt that they have been placing blame on others. This, in turn, relinquishes personal control by ascribing the power of change to others. “If she would only stop ___________________, then I could ___________________.” One of the most freeing realizations comes when we understand that despite the actions of others, I alone have the ability to choose how I will act and respond.

Negative thinking—It’s not me. If only you would change. Not wanting to accept responsibility, individuals want to continue placing blame on others. Often, these mental crutches have been in place for so long that to remove them by taking responsibility would mean notable change in their conversation, attitude, and actions.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

I have learned that individuals from dismal and dysfunctional backgrounds have a strong, pervasive temptation to hold disempowering views of the future based on their history. Old negative voices and past experiences have a way of projecting themselves into their future.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.