proactive means taking ahead of that one can estimate....<br /><br />To complete your thought, **proactive** means taking **action ahead of time, based on what one can estimate, anticipate, or predict will happen in the future.**<br />
Here is a more polished way to complete your sentence:<br />
> *"Proactive means taking **action ahead of time based on what one can estimate or anticipate will happen, rather than waiting to react after the event has occurred.**"*<br />
### A Deeper Look at "Proactive"<br />
To be proactive involves three main steps:<br />
1. **Anticipating (Estimating):** Using data, experience, or intuition to predict future needs, trends, or potential problems.<br />
2. **Planning:** Deciding on a course of action before the situation actually arises.<br />
3. **Acting:** Taking initiative to prevent a problem or seize an opportunity *before* you are forced to do so.<br />
### Proactive vs. Reactive (An Example)<br />
* **Reactive (Waiting):** You wait until your car breaks down on the highway, and then you call a tow truck. <br />
* **Proactive (Estimating & Acting):** You estimate that your car tires will wear out after 40,000 miles, so you proactively replace them at 35,000 miles to avoid a blowout.