Being proactive means taking initiative and acting in advance to address potential problems or opportunities. Instead of waiting for things to happen, proactive individuals anticipate challenges and work to prevent them. For example, a student who studies regularly instead of cramming the night before an exam is being proactive about their education. In everyday life, being proactive can lead to better outcomes. For instance, a manager who sets clear goals and provides feedback helps their team stay on track. By planning ahead and making decisions early, proactive people create a positive environment and often achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.