From Tracie:

Proactive vs Reactive

See this informative blog post: https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/7-habits-proactive-not-reactive/

Overcoming the instinct to be reactive in crisis is a discipline we can all cultivate. But we must work at it. Prioritize the effort.

There are many reasons for us to maintain a predominantly* pro-active posture through prolonged crises. First, brain research shows that being proactive and planning ahead helps us to keep our head, think clearly, and consistently discern the best path forward. Second, a proactive posture enables us to be more strategic and align our actions with our values and goals.  

* I say “predominantly” because there will always be unforeseen circumstances that you will need to react to, but one can’t let reactive measures dominate. 

Proactive:                                                                                                   

  • We drive a strategy and agenda, adjusting as we go, refining to externalities and circumstances.
  • It is a discipline to find and stick to our lane and role based on our comparative advantages, spheres of legitimate influence and existing assets.
  • It is forward looking, solution-oriented.
  • Proactive thinking uses the prefrontal cortex which can help reduce anxiety.

Reactive:

  • Tends to be fear-driven, less strategic than emotional.
  • We are often reacting to someone else’s agenda.
  • Fear-driven responses can create fear-driven responses in others.
  • According to brain research, a consistently reactive posture leaves our brains less prepared and surprised each time, which in turn adds to anxiety, reducing frontal lobe executive function.
  • Reactive thinking uses primitive brain, the seat of anxiety.

SPN helps our affiliates be proactive via our strategic positioning programs. This is part of our suite of services for affiliate care.

How can we do likewise with ourselves? Making proactive measures more of a habit is part of self-care. Scenario planning and preparing for possible future crises now helps our brains endure crisis in the future and provides a level of comfort that frees our brains up to concentrate on the present – rather than continuing to worry about the future.

  • When a hurricane is forecast, folks move to higher ground and board up their windows.
  • Preparing for the outcomes of the election, so we have a plan for either eventuality and aren’t left flatfooted when a response might be needed.
  • Stocking up on toilet paper 😊