The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Blog Series: Habit One- Be Proactive

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a timeless must read. Each habit goes in depth into helping individuals reach their potential, gain confidence, live life through their values, develop character and develop life balance while achieving success. Covey did not claim to create the seven habits, instead he believed they were natural laws and devoted himself to practicing these principles and teaching them to others. In the following blog series, I will summarize each habit individually and explore how it can transform the way we view ourselves and others through powerful paradigm shifts.

Habit One: Be Proactive

What does Covey mean by Be Proactive? According to Covey, being proactive is being in charge and responsible for our actions and decisions. It means we have control over how we respond to our environment. Often, we might blame our actions on our upbringing or external factors, but even in challenging situations, we have the internal freedom to choose how we respond to external situations and events.

Reactive versus Proactive: Reactive people are affected by external factors, such as how others view them. If a person treats them well, they will feel good; if a person treats them poorly, they will feel bad. This means they are controlled by social approval or disapproval. Proactive people, however, can be influenced by external factors, but they will have the freedom to choose how this will affect their inner world.

A proactive person will stand their ground for what they believe in and will not be easily affected by the opinions of others or external factors. Covey mentions two powerful quotations that reflect the mindset of a proactive person: “No one can hurt you without your consent” by Eleanor Roosevelt, and Ghandi quoted “They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.” These quotes highlight the importance of resilience and personal responsibility. When we take the time to identify our core values and what we truly stand for, we strengthen our ability to act proactively versus reactively. However, this process starts with self-awareness and a willingness to listen to our conscience.

Do you find yourself struggling with a bad temper and being reactive to those around you? Help is available for anger issues, depression, and anxiety. Reach out to a team of professional counselors at Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. on 708-633-8000. We are located at: 6819-167 th St. in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.

Mariana Rodriguez Graduate Intern, 2025.

Reference:

Covey, S. R. (2013). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Powerful lessons in personal change (25th anniversary ed.). Simon & Schuster