define that act of being proactive...?

It's taking advances/precautions of a situation before the situation even happens. The reason behind being proactive (psychologically) is to have more control over a situation, to be better prepared.

Example:

A proactive home owner installs a security system in order to prevent burglars.

A reactive home owner would install a security system after having already experienced a break-in.

You know that acne treatment called Proactiv? Well, that's their whole spiel. Their product will get rid of any current acne and will be proactive in deterring any future acne. Sorry to sound like a salesman for a product, hahaha, but it's something most people can relate to because you've probably seen the product before.

@ DP - Changing the batteries in a remote because it is no longer working is reactive.

To pick up trash if you see it on the street.

Change the batteries in the remote when you notice it doesn't work.

Not because someone tells you, or it's the law, or you fear reprisal.

Proactive is the opposite of REACTIVE.

I would have to say being motivated.