There once was a boy who had a very weak and sickly body. His father consistently instructed him that despite his physical circumstance, if he strengthened his mind and took action, he could accomplish anything. This boy believed his father and accepted his advice, later becoming the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.
How often are you creating the life you want to live, by acting in a way that will bring that life to you?
Are you only reacting?
If you dream of a life you want to live, but you wait for this life to come find you; you exist in a passive state of being!
If Theodore Roosevelt had only reacted to his circumstances, he wouldn’t have achieved the stature of President of the United States of America, and today none of us would know his name.
What defines a person as an actor?
An actor is confident.
An actor is someone who takes initiative.
Instead of waiting for someone to smile, an actor will take the initiative to smile at others.
Instead of waiting for someone to greet them, an actor will take the initiative to greet others.
An actor is someone constantly looking for an opportunity to meet a new person and learn new things.
An actor is always looking for opportunities to spread a positive word.
Actors take a proactive approach towards creating the world in which they want to live.
There is a quote by Vaclav Havel that describes the way of the actor vividly.
“Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.”
Actors step up the stairs!
What defines a person as a reactor?
A reactor is a person who lacks confidence.
A reactor tends to be timid and typically scouts continually for trouble.
A reactor sees life from a deficient lens.
Reactors are usually concerned that someone is trying to take advantage of them.
Reactors tend not to smile at a person unless that person smiles at them.
Reactors tend not to greet a new person, unless the new person takes the initiative to greet them.
A reactor lives in a world that has limited possibility.
A reactor tends to dwell in an unhappy state of being.
What the reactor doesn’t realize is that their world simply reaps the negativity that has manifested itself in their mind and space.
After all, how could a reactor create anything positive in a world in which they only react. If a reactor wants happiness, their formula is sit, wait and complain that happiness hasn’t arrived yet.
“Man who waits for roast duck to fly into mouth must wait very, very long time.” ~ Chinese proverb
My question for reflection this week is:
Are you an actor or a reactor?
Practice 1: Take an honest look at yourself this week and notice when you’re reacting versus acting.
Self-awareness is the first essential step towards progressive behavioral change in human beings.
Practice 2: Think about the steps you need to take, to orient yourself towards taking action.
A good place to start is with this post.
If you are a bit more inspired to take on the practices above…you’re probably an actor.
If you are a bit upset right now and you’re asking yourself about my credibility…well, you’re reacting…so you’re a reactor.
William Ernest Henley ends the poem “Invictus” with two powerful lines that bring this thought home:
“I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.”
Are you truly taking full responsibility for your fate?
Have you assumed the leadership responsibilities for your life on this planet?
Taking on the practice of switching from reaction to proactive action is the beginning of what could be significant personal growth.
It’s a great way to stay inspired and take on a brand new lifestyle choice!
Be an actor and get into action!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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The actor defines his role and makes it his or her own. Indeed, success does begin with the choice to take well defined and genuine ACTION!
Very thought provoking. Thank you for sharing this…