Use your instincts to decide when it’s time to take initiative

Are you someone who will step up when no one else will? Are you self-motivated and able to keep moving forward when you encounter difficulties? Do you assess and seize opportunities that others overlook? If you answered yes, to one or more of these you may have an important quality called initiative.

You’ve probably heard it before. They have or take initiative. Maybe you’ve been described in that way. Initiative requires the person to be steady in their assessment of their own capabilities and self-confidence. Not everyone is wired that way. Many people shrink back in challenging situations and wait for someone else to step up to the plate. Someone with initiative focuses on what is unfolding before them and acts from a clear, stable place.

Let’s differentiate this from those who act impulsively, are seeking attention, or who are simply behaving irrespective of others. That is not the same as having initiative. This is not to say initiative is the highest virtue. But it could be argued that at times it may be noble.

What do you do if someone in your vicinity needs immediate help of some sort? Do you turn away and assume others will rise to the occasion? Do you think you don’t have enough time or that you may get bogged down by their needs? On the other hand, you may be the one who steps forward and lends a hand.

Granted you can’t support everyone. You must utilize discernment in whether you show initiative or not.

How about you and your goals and dreams? When you encounter an obstacle, are you prone to quickly give up? Or do you press forward with focus and determination? Do you wait for someone to help?

If you wait when you truly know you must move forward, you may be waiting a long time. You can trust your deepest instincts if you simply stop and tune in to them. Maybe today is the day you make a commitment to taking more initiative in your life.