"We usually know when we've missed a crucial window to prevent a problem or seize an opportunity. Sadly, it's too late. The standard regret-that we should've been more proactive-offers a valuable but quickly forgotten lesson. Starting a task or changing direction sooner rather than later is the minimum standard for being proactive. Deeper, full-fledged proactivity is far more profound: It is the unique class of forward-looking behaviors that create the futures we need and want. These precious capabilities harbor countless potential benefits"
"These precious capabilities harbor countless potential benefits for those who choose to leverage them. Proactivity isn't a Marvel-caliber superpower, but it's a potential savior that we greatly, sometimes tragically, underuse. Consider the countless regrets after not taking care of our health, saving for retirement, preparing for severe weather events, properly managing natural resources, voting before becoming unhappy with the winning politicians, and adequately dealing with changing business environments."
People often recognize too late that a critical window to prevent harm or seize opportunities has closed, generating fleeting regret. Beginning tasks or changing direction earlier constitutes minimal proactivity, while deeper proactivity comprises deliberate, forward-looking behaviors that actively shape preferred futures. These behaviors carry risk but yield substantial long-term benefits when leveraged. Underused proactivity explains common regrets about health, retirement savings, disaster preparedness, natural resource management, voting timing, and business adaptation. A metaphor of an enterprising salmon using stairs to move upstream illustrates creative, leader-like approaches that bypass costly traditional struggles.
Read at Psychology Today
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