Habit 1---The Habit of Choice--- Be Proactive
Proactive means that you have freedom to choose how you respond to every situation.
Habit 1 is part of our private victory as you move from dependence to independence. As a Manager of yourself, you are beginning to make better decisions because you recognize that you have the power to choose.
. A Mediocre Manager has the Paradigm: I am a product of my circumstances.
. A Effective Manager has the Paradigm: I am a product of my choices.
Stimulus and Response
As you approach every situation, there is a stimulus, which influences how you respond. If you are reactive, decisions are based on impulse and mood. When you are proactive, there is time to think before you respond. You have the freedom to choose your response.
Proactive Language vs. Reactive Language
“Let’s look for alternatives.” ------“There is nothing we can do.”
“I can choose a different approach.”------“That’s just the way I am.”
“I control my own feelings.”------“He makes me so mad.”
“I can create an effective presentation.”------“They won’t allow that.”
“I will choose an appropriate response.”------“I have to do that.”
“I choose.”------“I can’t.”
“I prefer.”------“I must.”
“I will.”------“If only.
Circle of Influence
Your Circle of Influence are those things you can affect and change.
Your Circle of Concern are those things that you care about but cannot necessarily change.
When I am proactive, I focus on the things that I can influence.
When I am reactive, I am focus on the things that I cannot control.
Transition Person
A Transition Person is someone who changes negative behaviors and replaces these behaviors with positive habits.
When you pause before you respond, use proactive language, and focus on your Circle of Influence, you can become a Transition Person.
Living Habit 1
. Habit 1 is the habit of choice.
. When we use proactive language we better ourselves and create more trust with those we are speaking to.
. When I am being proactive, I focus on the things that I can influence. When I am being reactive, I am focusing on the things that I cannot control.
