35 Things Learned in 35 Years # 16
In Stephen Covey’s seminal 1989 book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” this is Numero Uno. It is the opposite of being reactive; it’s the art of acting first.
Wikipedia defines Proactivity as “being anticipatory and taking charge of situations.”
But it was hardly a new idea in 1989. Perhaps it’s the number one thing I learned in college, from a Journalism professor who stressed the need to “take the initiative.”
A friend put it differently: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
The easiest problems to solve are the ones that never happen. Being proactive and in control make life easy.
Over the years PM Celebrations has continually streamlined, simplified and improved our methods of planning and preparation, and of following up. The best defense is a “First Strike” offense.