Do you feel like you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop? For the doctor’s office to call you back? For the insurance agent to return your call? For someone to follow through? After getting an MCI, Alzheimer’s or Dementia diagnosis, life can feel uncertain. With so many changes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is, you have a choice. You can choose to be proactive instead of reactive.
| Reactive Language | Proactive Language |
|---|---|
| There’s nothing I can do. | Let’s look at our alternatives. |
| That’s just the way I am. | I can choose a different approach. |
| He makes me so mad. | I control my own feelings. |
| They won’t allow that. | I can create an effective presentation. |
| I have to do that. | I will choose an appropriate response. |
| I can’t. | I choose. |
| I must. | I prefer. |
| If only. | I will. |
Source: “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” — Stephen Covey
It’s no accident that being proactive is the first habit of THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE by Stephen Covey. Being proactive puts you in control, expands your choices, and increases your capabilities. 
It’s easy to fall into negative self-talk when your life changes drastically overnight. Sometimes you’re so preoccupied, you don’t even realize it’s happening. Even though you’re in control, you might not always feel that way.
Your mindset is your secret caregiving weapon.
It determines what choices you make, what outcomes you get and how you look at the world. Remember: your mindset is adaptable. You can change it. Create a new mindset for yourself. A new reality. The person you’re caring for has one, and now it’s your turn.
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