Initiative In School

vs. idleness

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done
before I am asked to do it

To practice Initiative, I will:

• contribute to the success of the whole team
• be part of the solution rather than the problem
• do what is right before being asked
• look for ways to help others
• not procrastinate

Initiative and Mental Health

by Sandra Szczygiel, LPCC-S (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)

Lack of initiative is often significant symptom of some mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and Schizophrenia. Too much initiative can also be a symptom of a mental health disorder, such as during the manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder. Moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle – too little or too much initiative can interfere with relationships, which is an essential element of mental health. In our modern world we seem to be caught up in busyness/productivity, which may be contributing to the increase of mental health disorders worldwide. Let’s find the “sweet spot” of the amount of initiative we need to thrive not just survive.