Reactive vs ProActive

Our daily interactions within a society present us with a myriad of choices as how to respond to people and events happening around us. Some of us simply allow life to happen while others choose to actively shape their lives. Some merely dance to the tune, others create their own tune. We may refer to the former as “Reactive or Reactionary” and latter ones as “ProActive”.

When we react passively to external forces of society (they act and we react), we are surrendering the one thing that truly belongs to all of us; the power to control our lives. Take for example; you do not open the bonnet of your car for ages, and then ‘Suddenly’ it fails to start one morning!

The ‘reactors’, if you will, are often at the mercy of any given person or a situation. Because they only react to what life throws at them, they are often dodging bullets, fire-fighting and treading water desperately just to stay afloat. They do not live their lives with passionate intent. They are merely getting by each day. They do not anticipate outcomes, fail to plan, don’t learn from their mistakes, and are so destined to lead mediocre, often unhappy lives.

A reactionary person typically lives his life with a listless attitude — he has a habit of postponing and then scrambling to meet the deadline at the eleventh hour. He puts in minimal effort at work, seeing it as ‘just a job’, doesn’t like learning new things, and doesn’t care what’s happening around him and in the world. He doesn’t plan his schedule, forgets important tasks, and is usually sick at the thought of helping others at his own inconvenience. He is haunted by worry, because he feels that he has no control over what happens to him. He often finds himself in uncomfortable or compromising situations because he never learns from his mistakes, choosing instead to blame others or external events. His favourite motto is “That’s life… these things happen… I can’t help it…”, and so conveniently frees himself of any responsibility in improving his life.

However, when we choose to respond actively to life, we accept responsibility for what happens to us. We are intensely keen on learning whatever we can, in whatever situation. We analyse circumstances, learn from our mistakes and plan how we can do better next time. We anticipate outcomes and make necessary preparations. We’re always on the lookout for ways to improve our work, our lives and the lives of all around us.

This shift in attitude towards active response empowers us with choice and purpose. Because we take charge of our lives, we know how we can make things better. No time is spent brooding, lamenting and regretting. We can always see a better future on the horizon.

I would like to quote an example of prophet Muhammad (SAW). He (SAW) was a great ProActive personality. After preaching in Makkah for years, He (SAW) did not see much support from Qureish. Did He (SAW) just sit back, prayed to Allah Ta’ala and waited? No, Muhammad (SAW) actively sought new ventures. He (SAW) planned & visited many other tribes; visiting Taaif is one such example. Eventually people of Madina accepted Him (SAW). He (SAW) negotiated two treaties (Bait-e-Aqaba I & II) with them in 2 years and then migrated to Madina in the 3^rd year to establish an Islamic State. This is just an excellent example of being Proactive and changing circumstances in one’s favor.

Every day you are presented with choices; react passively or actively will determine whether you live life of greater fear and mediocrity or life of great joy and success. The choice is yours!