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.
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in the classroom or in homeschool
to teach the Character Quality of Initiative.
Need to build community in your classroom? Try these team building activities!
Group Thumb Wars
Line up your group in 2 lines facing each other. The players facing each other are partners. Have the partners spread out from the other partners so they don’t easily hear another partner group sharing. If you have an odd number of players, then one person has a “bye”...
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in an educational setting or for education professionals.
Visit Initiative in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Initiative in the Community>>
Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)
Visit Initiative in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources