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This Week’s Subtle Shift: From Reactive to Creative
Happy New Year Everyone!
As we kick off 2025, I hope you will spend more time in a creative orientation and less time in a reactive one.
Let me explain.
Have you ever noticed how often life can feel like a long string of reactions? You set the alarm to wake you up early because you have to beat the traffic to work. You head to the gym before work because the CDC says you should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. You drive a little faster into the office because you are running late, and your boss told you that you better get your butt to work on time. You scarf down some oatmeal for breakfast because you are supposed to get more fiber in your diet. You spend your first hour clearing out email because you are a professional, and professionals are supposed to be responsive.
Am I making my point?
Can you see how it isn’t even noon, and you are stuck in a reactive pattern?
Can you see how you are “should-ing” all over yourself?
The Reactive Orientation
The reactive orientation is a state of mind in which far too many people live. It is driven by external demands, societal expectations, and the constant bombardment of “shoulds,” “musts,” and “supposed tos.” It is a voice that lives inside our heads, constantly comparing us to external factors.
The Problem with the Reactive Orientation
The problem with the reactive orientation is that it keeps us stuck on autopilot, responding to life rather than living it. When we spend our days reacting, we lose touch with our inner compass—the part of us that knows what we truly want and value. Over time, this disconnection leaves us feeling unfulfilled, stressed, and out of alignment with our authentic selves. Instead of creating the Life we want, we get caught in a web of external pressures that dictate our actions and priorities. The result is a life that feels busy but not meaningful.
How to Make This Shift
George Bernard Shaw said it best when he told us, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” If you’re ready to move from a reactive orientation to a creative one, here are three steps to get started:
- Start Your Day with Intention – Instead of jumping straight into the day’s demands, take a few quiet moments each morning to reflect on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself: What do I want to create today? Setting a clear intention grounds you in your inner compass before external pressures take over.
- Say No to What Doesn’t Align – Take an honest look at the commitments and tasks on your plate. Consider letting it go if something doesn’t align with your values or goals. Creating a life of intention requires making space for what truly matters by saying no to what doesn’t.
- Create Before You Consume – Before you check your email, scroll through social media, or respond to others, spend time on something meaningful to you. Whether journaling, brainstorming ideas, or working on a personal goal, prioritize creation over reaction to reinforce a creative orientation.
Get Creative in 2025
As you step into 2025, remember that life is not something that happens to you. It’s something you create, one subtle shift at a time. Instead of letting external demands dictate your actions, take back control. Listen to your inner wisdom, reconnect with what truly matters, and design your days with purpose and intention.
The life you dream of isn’t hidden somewhere out there—it’s waiting to be crafted by the choices you make every day. Small, intentional steps can transform how you live, work, and connect.
Here’s to a year of clarity, creativity, and the profound impact of subtle shifts. Let’s make 2025 the year we stop reacting and start creating.
