Initiative

Initiative is “recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.” Initiative has to be balanced with patience and dependability. You cannot shirk your responsibilities in one area to show initiative in a different area. A person who shows initiative will not only demonstrate to those around them that they care for them, they will also cultivate a life of motivation. They will show that they are willing to step out and do what is right without constantly being reminded and prodded.

I Will:

  1. Do what is right before being told.
  2. Not put off until later what I can do now.
  3. Do my part for the team.
  4. Be a part of the solution rather than the problem.
  5. Look for ways to help others.

Discussion Starters:

  • Why do you think initiative is an important character quality to develop?
  • When has someone shown initiative to help you? How did that make you feel?
  • What are a few ways that you could show initiative today?
  • Who in your life, or in history, do you think is an example of being an instigator of good?

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(Permission granted to reproduce this lesson for educational use. Credit: CharacterFirstEducation.com)