Define Proactive
While the much-used word "proactive" can apply to any number of situations, from everyday decision making to financial planning, its definition remains much the same regardless of the context.
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Definition
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In general, "proactive" is an adjective that means "taking an active part, or controlling a situation or action." The term also sometimes suggests acting in a way that anticipates future problems in order to control them. Used in context: "Rather than waiting for someone else to do it, she took a proactive stance, and organized the fundraiser herself."
Antonym
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"Proactive" is often used with, and as the opposite or antonym of, the term "reactive," which means to react or respond to a situation (as opposed to proactively anticipating a situation). In this sense, "proactive" implies action, while "reactive" implies inaction.
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Context
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The word "proactive" can and does apply to literally any situation where activity is involved.
Financial Proactivity
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"Proactive" has recently become a popular term in the realm of financial planning, often used as a selling point for financial planners. In this case, the word is used simply to imply taking control of one's finances, or actually planning financially, rather than reacting to, for instance, how the economy is affecting one's financial situation. In this sense, proactivity corresponds with the idea of anticipating problems and controlling them.
Considerations
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According to several sources, including the Oxford English Dictionary, the term "proactive" was originally limited to a psychological description involving learning and retardation. In recent years, overuse and misuse of the word, particularly as a corporate buzzword, has diminished its meaning somewhat.
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