{"id":22129,"date":"2022-07-27T12:18:05","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T02:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com\/?p=22129"},"modified":"2024-01-22T12:59:43","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T01:59:43","slug":"proactive-vs-reactive-goal-setting-whats-the-difference-and-why-does-it-matter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com\/proactive-vs-reactive-goal-setting-whats-the-difference-and-why-does-it-matter\/","title":{"rendered":"Proactive vs. Reactive Goal Setting: What\u2019s the Difference and Why Does it Matter?"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 4<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Setting a goal sounds simple right? You think of something you want to achieve, make it a goal, and then smash it outta the park – <\/span>right?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Well, yes – and no.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been guilty of setting <\/span>reactive goals<\/b> instead of <\/span>proactive ones<\/b> – learning the difference between the two has been a total game-changer!<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been struggling with the whole \u2018life goals\u2019 thing, learning if you\u2019re setting reactive or proactive goals might help you set the <\/span>right goals<\/span><\/i> and achieve success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are Reactive Goals?<\/span><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s no hard definition of reactive goals, but here\u2019s how we think about them:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. They\u2019re goals you make in response to a challenge or crisis that has already happened: <\/b>This usually means you\u2019re working backward to start moving forwards.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    For example:<\/b><\/p>\n

    You miss a <\/span>work experience<\/span><\/a> opportunity because you didn\u2019t set a reminder to get your application in on time. You set a goal to apply when the opportunity comes up again, but that\u2019s not until next year – so you lose time and a chance to get some experience on your resume and be ready to apply for part-time work.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. They\u2019re goals that someone else sets for you:<\/b> Meaning you\u2019re probably not very passionate or invested in achieving them.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      For example:<\/b><\/p>\n

      You can\u2019t decide what career\/s you\u2019re interested in. Your teacher and\/or parents decide for you and start pushing towards applying for work experience and choosing subjects in an area you aren\u2019t passionate about.<\/span><\/p>\n

      As you can tell – reactive goals won\u2019t help you progress towards what you really want to achieve in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

      What Are Proactive Goals?<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Proactive goal setting is putting yourself in the driver’s seat and deciding where you want to go!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Being proactive means thinking through the actions, activities, and processes you need to achieve the goals important to you. Proactive goal-setting helps you set stepping stones in place for future you.<\/span><\/p>\n

      How Do You Set a Proactive Goal?<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Proactive goals should focus on:<\/span><\/p>\n