Are You Pro-Active?

One of the most recent buzzwords that I have heard in the business environment is the term Pro-Active.  My initial thoughts on this phrase are that it is too often it is used as a sword rather than a shield.

I have seen it regularly used by supervisors and bosses during employee evaluations to “constructively” suggest that they should work harder.  Or perhaps suggest that they should possess a crystal ball so that they can “pro-actively” rectify situations that they are not aware exist.  In this manner it is being used as a sword to attack someone.

I feel that the proper usage of the term is to protect youself (shield). The heart of the intent of the phrase is: do you take reasonable steps to minimize risk (whether that risk by physical, professional or otherwise)?

The opposite of the term is “reactive”. This phrase is used when a person changes their thoughts, actions or philosophy based on a catalyst event. For example, if a person waits to be told by his/her doctor that they are a prime candidate for a stroke before they start modifying their dietary habits – that is reactive. If someone waits until that same Doctor tells them that unless they start getting more exercise, they are entering into Heart Attach Territory – that is also reactive. If a parent waits until their child is suspended or expelled before the decide that their off-spring needs discipline – that is reactive as well.

Keep in mind that I am writing this from a Fang Shen Do perspective.  If there was a computer technician writing this blog, I am sure that his/her examples would be about proper (proactive) protection from viruses, proactive backing up of your files, proper (proactive) upgrading to your computer system and drivers, etc
The root is the same:  PRO (in my mind standing for PROTECTION) and ACTIVE (standing for taking action).

Another way to be proactive, from a Fang Shen Do perspective is to be prepared physically.  As mentioned above, this can take the form of health and mental benefits, but it also relates to personal security.  I can hear people now reading this and saying “I don’t have the time.” 

And I get that…. (although your attacker probably doesn’t care how tight your schedule is and how he/she might inconvenience you – and I will not even quote statistics in the blog).

At Toronto Fang Shen Do, we have made it easier to get started with training in self defense, by offering a 90 minutes self defense seminar on Wednesday, February 20th 2013  7:30 PM.  Included in the seminar, we will be discussing
•    the 5 cardinal rules of self defense;
•    three vital targets,
•    proper self defense mind-set;
•    which techniques to use and which to avoid;
•    debunking self-defence myths
•    ….and many more important factors that will allow you to protect yourself or your loved ones. 

This seminar is open to all (men and women)
90 minutes – you are worth it – register now!!

Train hard
 

Posted in: Seminars And Events