One of the first qualities I look for in a potential sales candidate is whether or not they are proactive. One way to understand the term “proactive” is to read Stephen Covey’s bestseller entitled “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” He presents detailed discussions of the seven habits. His first habit is the idea of being proactive, which also means taking initiative.

Covey offers this idea: “Taking initiative does not mean being pushy, obnoxious, or aggressive. It does mean recognizing our responsibility to make things happen.”

Covey’s two sentences are full of powerful concepts that all point to you. If you remember one thing, it should be that you are in charge. You have the capacity to change your life. No matter how many successful people you surround yourself with, there is only so much that they can do for you.

The word “proactive” means different things to different people. Before you can determine whether or not you are proactive, you must first focus on understanding what proactive means in your life. Covey offers some relevant insights.

Covey focuses on phrases that are easy to understand. Being proactive involves several things: taking responsibility, taking initiative, acting instead of being acted upon, and not waiting for things to happen to you. Let us consider each of these ideas.

Taking Responsibility

The concept of responsibility means that you are to blame for all good and bad things that happen. It does not mean that if a hurricane blows the roof off your house that you are to blame. It does mean that you make choices every day. You choose to get up in the morning, go to your job, stay in your personal relationships, engage in your hobbies, spend your money, eat what you want, and manage your health. You make many other choices that affect your happiness. There are no golden insights to make better choices. Accept responsibility for each choice and recognize that you always have the option to make a different one.

Taking Initiative

This concept goes back to being the first one to do things. If you want a different job, start looking for one. If you want to spend your life with someone else, start finding him or her. If you want to take a trip to Europe, start planning it. You can’t sit around and wait for the day when you will wake up and want to start doing these things. It is great to dream about things, but it is more fun to work to make them happen.

Acting Instead of Being Acted Upon

This idea has to do with seeing yourself as in charge of your own life instead of being a victim of the actions of others. Each day that you interact with others, you choose how to react and respond to them. Start to see yourself as in charge of your relationships. You can use deliberate words and actions to establish healthy boundaries with everyone in your life. If relationships are dragging you down, then it is time to rethink them. Keep people in your life who don’t leave you inclined to feel like a victim.

Don’t Wait for Things to Happen

You have spent much of your life waiting for things to happen. Everyone does. If you keep waiting for a better job offer or a better relationship, it might never come. Try to go out and find the things that you want. If you waste any more time waiting, life may pass you by.

Are you really doing the things discussed above? If you can honestly answer yes, then you are proactive. Hats off to you! In order to be more proactive, look for areas of your life in which you can take more initiative. If you are happy, don’t be afraid to find more dreams to start living.