Busy or productive? Be proactive

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Most people I come across in my life as a work life balance coach are incredibly busy. In fact that's often what leads them to contact me in the first place.  They are often rushing from pillar to post juggling work, home, community and all sorts leaving barely any time for leisure and relaxation.

So how can you make your life more productive and less busy? How much of your time is spent reacting to situations? How could you be more proactive in your life?

Being proactive is all about taking charge. It's about making decisions and deciding in advance what you are going to be doing. To draw an analogy with computing, by being proactive you are being the programmer of your life. You are deciding what you are going to do and how.

Of course there is more scope for being proactive in certain situations. For example if you are self employed then you are much more likely to be in control of what work you do and when.  As an employee you can be proactive in other ways, like taking the initiative and anticipating what needs to be done. In addition to making you feel more in control of your life, your efforts will almost certainly be noticed by your seniors and will greatly increase your status and chances within the organisation if opportunities arise.

Taking charge, both in and out of work will greatly increase your effectiveness and productivity and reduce feelings of stress from feeling out of control.

Stephen Covey’s very first habit of effective people is Be Proactive.  In some cases you need to develop the courage to be proactive, especially if you are not used to taking charge. Start with small things and gradually increase the areas you are proactive in.

Simply taking the decision to be proactive is proactive in itself!

Caroline Love

www.stepoffyourstilettos.co.uk 

Do you need help to use your time more effectively and productively? Have you ever tried coaching? Would you like to?

The wonders of technology mean it doesn't matter where you live.

Contact me to arrange a free consultation about my coaching services. My step by step programme will help you get more from your allotted hours and give you time to do the things you want to do as well as the things you have to do. Send me a message or email Caroline@carolinelove.co.uk