Is it the time of the year a mood we are in, or are we constantly being pushed to move forward? I’m not saying there is anything wrong with eyeing the future, only asking if we are depriving ourselves of some important information and sense of satisfaction that might be essential to our professional or personal growth and happiness?
Here are some opportunities we all are at risk of missing if we don’t look back.
Carrying Over the Taste of Success: If you do not take the time to contemplate and celebrate, there is a greater chance you may pick-up and travel to the next opportunity without important pieces of learned information. By verbalizing or writing down what you are most proud of helps you see patterns in rewarding actions and achievements. If they are not clear, maybe a deeper dive and a bit more honest reflection would assist you in defining what really gives you satisfaction and addresses your dreams for the future. Consider the fact these aspirations might not be only job related, even though they could have significant impact on your career. What does it tell you if your list, coincidentally, has people as part of every accomplishment? Ask yourself, “Was it the breath or the depth of the experience that gave me the high or the glow?” Say aloud, “Did I even imagine I’d get to _____?” If it were so great, why wouldn’t you want to bring these nuggets to the next version of the experience or your life?
Shielding You from Fear of Failure: We all make mistakes, some of them we repeat (over and over) but allowing ourselves the time to replay similar events of the past often preps us for success in the next challenge. That sense of “been there done that,” even if it is not identical, can increase confidence and resolve. While I am challenging clients to “be bold,” I simultaneously assist them in thinking of hurdles they cleared and successes they had under difficult circumstances. Acknowledging what did not work also brings to consciousness potential pitfalls, making you more aware of “what could happen.” You then have a choice — either shy away out of fear or admit to yourself you made it through the last time. Why wouldn’t you handle it better this round? Experience is a great predictor and protector but only if you choose to tap into it.
There are people who only live in the past, some who can stay in the present (I am often envious of them), and those lured by the future. We each need to spend some time in the others’ world. For most of the people I coach, looking back is harder and less interesting then the allure of forward. They just might miss something.
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