FIRST Habit of a 24/7 Dad
A 24/7 Dad™ understand what it means to be a good man. A 24/7 Dad™ has the parenting and fathering skills he needs to be a good father and strives to raise good kids. A 24/7 Dad™ practices certain habits. A habit is something you do over and over again, like how you write, fold your arms, or even brush your teeth. Some habits are good and healthy. They produce good results. Some other habits produce average or even bad results. Let's look at the first habit of a 24/7 Dad™.
Be Proactive: Take Control of You
There are certain things that are out of our control, and certain things that are within our control. Rather than focusing on those things we cannot control, we should focus on those things we can control.
What can you control?
- Your thoughts
- Your feelings
- Your Actions
- You!
A proactive person is mindful and aware of their thoughts, feelings, and in control of their actions. What is the opposite of being proactive?
Reactive.
When a man is reactive there is no space between what is happening to him and how he responds. But we know that we can control how we respond by being Proactive.
How To Form a Proactive Habit
A proactive man creates the space he needs to choose the best response to the situation he is in.
Do the following three things to form this proactive habit:
1) Pause - Stop what you are doing, take a moment and a deep breath.
2) Think - Think about what you should and shouldn't do, consider the consequences.
3) Choose - Choose the best option/right thing to do.
The Consequences of Proactive Vs Reactive Behaviors
When a man is reactive, he allows his surroundings to influence him rather than influence his surroundings. He is no longer in control.
When a man is proactive, he focuses on his circle of control, and is mindful of what is happening around him. This allows him to make better decisions and take better control of his environment. His influence grows.
These tips and more helpful information can be found in our 7 Habits of a 24/7 Dad™ Workshop.