Habit One-Be Proactive

I would like to adopt some of my fellow bloggers remarkable strength and discipline. He has managed to give up caffeine, material possessions, a chair for his desk, and tee-vee. Just to name a few of the things I admire about his iron-clad willfulness.

He mentions the book 7 habits of highly effective people, and upon additional research it seems like a pretty good 'idea'. Now, ideas are always great in theory. But practice is different.

So, I wiki'ed it, and decided I would like to try the first habit--"Be Proactive" on for size. My recent bout of depression, and emotional state could use some proactive thinking, that is certain. Being proactive is in direct opposition to being reactive, which is an emotional way of thinking. According to the wiki definition, being proactive means to take responsibility for everything in my life and that when you are reactive, you blame other people for problems.

I like this habit for several reasons.

1. it forces personal accountability
2. it forces me to look at where and how I am responsible for the outcomes in my life
3. it makes me look at obstacles and problems, as situations that CAN be resolved and not just road blocks
4. not being able to blame other people requires a deep sense of introspection and self analysis as to my role in situations and issues
5. being proactive means that I have to critically think about things, and not (re)act emotionally (this one is a real bummer because its so fun to be a drama queen and victim sometimes-thanks Mom!!!!)
6. I have a decision and choice with it comes to everything in my life
7. I am the only one responsible for my life, its outcome and its circumstances

Phew, I feel better already. I feel empowered knowing that I am in control again! Yes, back to being the control freak that I am. Now, hopefully there will be no more pregnancy based mood swings or emotional breakdowns. Since I am pregnant can I still blame it hormones? I mean those are real, and I take responsibility for them taking over... LOL.