The endless cycle of reactionary, victim-oriented living is a truly catabolic, energy-draining mode of existence. What will it take for us to channel that into productive, anabolic energy? Energy that allows us to anticipate and plan with confidence?
Over the last few weeks, as I’ve read, watched, and listened to friends, newscasters, pundits, and experts weigh in on events of the world, it has repeatedly struck me how incredibly exhausted everyone looks and sounds. How utterly defeated. The energy has been drained from people’s words and body language. As I pondered this in my “thinking box” (the shower) over the weekend it hit me like a bolt of lightning. Everyone looks incredibly busy reacting, which is a naturally draining, catabolic emotion, rather than transferring their energy into something proactive, anabolic, productive which is a natural mood boost.
So, what does it mean to be “proactive”, as opposed to “reactive”? And how can we make that all important shift?
The word “reactive” implies that you let the events set the agenda and remove your own initiative from the equation. When living a reactive life, you’re pummeled by the ocean of life, where each new wave catches you by surprise. The reactive life swimmer is constantly struggling, panicking, just stay afloat.
By contrast, when we think of “proactivity” it evokes phrases like “grace under pressure” or “rock of stability.” Going back to the ocean of life, rather than being pummeled, and tossed around, you anticipate the waves. The proactive life swimmer looks more at ease, not desperately fighting the waves but confidently swimming into and through them, in tune with the rhythm of the ocean.
Think about the stark contrast in the visual image. Mere survival vs. productive progress.
Amid what currently feels like social and emotional chaos, how can you can be more proactive in your life, and channel the strong, confident swimmer? Here are three tangible actions:
1 – Ask yourself what is likely to happen, and PLAN various scenarios of how you might react to it before it happens.
2 – Channel your energy into rising over the difficulties of the moment to see the bigger picture, how much you can control, your role in it, what potential changes you can make today or in the near future.
3 – Cut yourself some slack! Sometimes, we don’t have the energy to step into our anabolic state of mind. Give yourself a rest, take the break to recharge your battery and refocus on that bigger picture.
On that final point, while it’s important to be informed about the world we live in, it is also critical to our mental health and well-being to step away from the 24/7 cycle of news and social media. A 15-minute break to simply lift your head, take a walk, drink a glass of water, eat a quick snack, can do wonders in terms of your energy, focus and perspective.
