Proactive Vs. Reactive: Which one Are You?

* Verified by a US-based board-certified doctor.

For all of our personality types, we really boil down to two main kinds of people - reactive and proactive. Some people feel motivated to act as things happen to them, and then others see what's coming and act accordingly. The results in each life are markedly different, far-reaching, and affects every aspect of their lives. 

While we understand that there are benefits to both types, we'll be making a case for the productive, proactive personality type. 

According to Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, proactivity is one of the most important traits of successful and personally effective people. He says it's the foundation of all of the other 6 Habits, making it the number one habit to possess. 

Covey considers proactivity the ability to take charge of your life, take responsibility, and take action, with choice being a significant component. We choose how we perceive what happens to us, which determines our responses and how it affects us.  

People who aren't proactive are, by default, reactive. Reactive people are often disempowered, feeling powerless to change their circumstances or reactions.  

Related: Ways To Be More Productive Without Losing Sleep

The Difference Between Proactive and Reactive Personalities

While many of us may exhibit traits from either of these types, we will tend more strongly in one direction over the other. Here are a few traits of each. See if you recognize yourself. 

Proactive Traits

Proactive people tend to be long-term thinkers who can step back from the small, daily stuff to get a view of what's coming. They are highly organized, both externally and internally. They can plan ahead without losing sight of what matters in the here and now. Proactive people are excellent problem-solvers. They don't see challenges as having the final say, as they keep their focus on solutions. As a result of early action, proactive people typically have confidence as they face the future. This gives them a sense of calm about the future and composure when facing obstacles. 

Reactive Traits

At some point in all of our lives, we've all been reactive. And it was probably the consequences of that which motivated us to grow and become proactive. Reactive people usually wait until problems arise to address them. This is either because they don't focus enough on the future to see the potential for the problem or because they don't want to see it. This creates a lot of chaos, and therefore, overwhelms their lives. The lack of planning will often bring about a sense of uncertainty about the future. This can make some reactive people immature in their emotional responses to things - blame, frustration, and anger are the results. 

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Pros and Cons of Being Proactive

Pros

The benefits of being proactive are that this personality type can face the future with preparedness and confidence - they have planned for it. They have seen and determined what their response will be, even to things that are entirely out of their control. This attitude helps them to remain composed when the inevitable surprises happen. People tend to trust and have confidence in proactive people.

Cons

Sometimes proactive people have one foot in the now and one in the future. It can prevent them from thoroughly enjoying the now. And the need to see what's coming can leave this personality type looking for rain, even what the sun is shining - always anticipating the next crisis. They can also have a lack of spontaneity, making them a little predictable (not necessarily a bad thing).  

Related:  Ways to Turn Your Life Around

Pros and Cons of Being Reactive

Pros

People who are used to putting out fires all the time tend to be good at it. Reactive people learn to be flexible and deal with crises as a regular part of life. This might cause them to work well under pressure. This personality type is quick to deal with the problem when it's finally front and center. They don't waste any time wondering how it happened or why they didn't see it coming. 

Cons

The 'let's wait and see' attitude can cause others to lose confidence in them. It can make this personality type appear naive or unsophisticated in your thinking. Living life as if you have to wait and see what your emotional response to situations will be, is also immature. Instead of determining what the appropriate response is and committing to it, they allow themselves to be moved by the moment. They can be volatile, unpredictable, and not necessarily good at putting out fires. 

Natural Remedies to Improve Proactivity

Proactive people are goal-oriented and are good at making things happen. They become apt at maneuvering things and people to get the desired end. They are alert and in the moment. They ask questions and like to understand things in depth. They anticipate potential problems and develop solutions in advance. In other words, proactivity is synonymous with productivity!

And productivity is what we're all about here at Magic Mind. We've learned that you can add ingredients to caffeine to extend its absorption and make you more productive in your day and your life. That's how we came up with the world's first productivity drink

Here are just five of our quality ingredients and what they add to you: 

1. Matcha Green Tea. Our drink's base provides you with energy without the jitters of coffee, natural L-theanine, which reduces stress and anxiety, and 130 times the antioxidants of regular green tea. 
2. Bacopa Monnieri. This improves your memory, cognitive processing, and working memory.     
3. Lion's Mane Mushrooms. This reduces anxiety and inflammation. 
4. Cordyceps Mushrooms. These support your endurance while they reduce inflammation and enhance your immune response. 
5. Rhodiola Rosea. This ingredient improves endurance and reduces fatigue. 

Related:  Mental Acuity: A Guide to Staying Mentally Sharp

Final words

Who we are isn't set in stone. A person who has been reactive their whole lives may become more proactive and productive as a result of desiring change. It will take thoughtful consideration to recognize your strengths and shortfalls and exert the energy necessary to effect change. This is itself a proactive move. Congratulations, you're on your way. 

Even a proactive person has room for improvement. Let Magic Mind be a part of your journey!