Bhaiyya, I’m concerned about my future,’ said Rahul. ‘Dad tells me to stop worrying and do something about it.’
‘Rahul’s idea of doing something is to worry and feel helpless, bhaiyya,’ piped in Rinku.
‘But,’ said Rahul. ‘What can anyone do in these circumstances?’
‘Our responses to situations determine the results we get,’ said Rakesh. ‘Some people are reactive, some active and some proactive. Reactive ones are always behind the situation. The active ones are aware of the situation and they salvage something from it. But the proactive ones are always ahead of the situation, making the best of it.’
‘How, bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul.
‘Being proactive is what successful people do, Rahul,’ said Rakesh. ‘Let’s say there’s a problem of irregular water supply in your neighbourhood. Reactive people worry, curse the government and, while worrying, miss the water supply when it begins. Active people are aware and they collect enough water to get by. But proactive people think ahead and create extra capacity to hold water while waiting for the water supply.’
‘So proactive people work more than necessary, bhaiyya?’ said Rahul. ‘What if it goes to waste?’
‘It doesn’t,’ said Rakesh. ‘On the contrary, when you’re ready, opportunities present themselves. By responding positively, you create opportunities you never imagined.’
‘How to become proactive, bhaiyya?’ asked Rinku.
‘By practising, like anything else,’ said Rakesh. ‘Take any situation that’s important to you and approach it proactively — “how can I do the best I can to get the best result from this situation?” For example, if you’re a sportsperson and there’s no sports activities due to the pandemic, what will a proactive response be?’
‘Deciding to do the best with what’s in our control,’ said Rahul. ‘Eat healthy, stay fit, work on skills and mental angles.’
‘Reach out to mentors, coaches and top players,’ said Rinku. ‘Research their routines, stories and lifestyles. Be ready in every way and leave nothing to chance.’
‘But why so much effort for nothing, bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul.
‘Because things change in that process,’ said Rakesh. ‘When you’re proactive, you move from being helpless to taking responsibility for things within your control. You have greater awareness and understanding of the situation. You prepare for the best possibilities, act decisively and are open to new opportunities. Being proactive is a choice, a small shift in approach.’
Pro Tip: Our response to situations is the key to our growth. Being proactive means responding by taking responsibility and working towards the best possible outcomes in any situation by being fully prepared in all areas we exert control over. The results will amaze you.
