What is Initiative?
Taking initiative is to "recognize and do what needs to be done before I'm asked."
This is a character trait that athletes, artisans, employees, children at home, students, parents, or simply anyone can learn to demonstrate. Taking initiative is not hard, it simply requires action on our part. Once we recognize a situation that could benefit from our actions, all we have to do is "act'.
Here are some simple examples of taking initiative that can make our surroundings a better place to live... pick up litter when you walk across a parking lot; return a stray buggy to the corral at the store; help an elderly person with their groceries; say a kind word to someone who looks like they could use a smile; or acknowledge the demonstration of good character in your employees.
These kind of actions require very little effort, yet can make a significant difference in a person's day. They also go a long way to benefit our society in general. By taking initiative it is possible to make our streets safer by responsible driving; make our environment cleaner by recycling; make our businesses more productive by recognizing and doing the right thing to achieve the goals of the business; and make our schools safer by standing up for what is right, even if it is a difficult situation.
Imagine living in a society where no one took initiative to make things better. No, really; think about it. What would that look like? Chaos is one word that comes to mind. Thankfully, we do not live in such a society. We are blessed to live in a community where we, as citizens of good character, take pride in our resources and our surroundings.
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Visions of Character
"Who you are speaks so loudly I can't hear what you are saying."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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