In this chapter, Covey defines and explains the first habit of the highly effective—being proactive. He begins by stating that human beings are the only animals capable of self-awareness. Because of this fact, we are the only creatures capable of internal change. Opposing a belief in change, many philosophers and scientists espouse various theories of determinism that fall into the categories of genetic, psychic (behavioral), or environmental. All of them state that we are the result of our circumstances and can’t change. In contrast to these limiting views of human potential, Covey discusses Viktor Frankl’s theory that even under adverse circumstances, an individual still has the freedom to choose how he will react to those conditions: “Between what happened to him, or the stimulus, and his response to it, was his freedom or power to choose that response” (77).

Having established that we have a choice despite limiting conditions, the chapter then shifts to a closer examination of what it means to be proactive. Covey says, “It means more than merely taking initiative. It means that as human beings, we are responsible for our own lives. Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions” (78)

The author draws a sharp contrast between proactive and reactive people.