Past

If your eyes are transfixed to the past, you can’t become the person you need to become in the future. – MJ DeMarco, The Millionaire Fastlane

How many times a day, week or month do you look at what’s happened in the past and allow it to cloud your future?  Maybe you didn’t get the promotion the last time so you don’t go for it the next time.  Perhaps your report got moth-balled so you don’t put the effort in again.  Your great idea got put aside so you don’t bring up another one.  Here are some thoughts about the past.

Thought 1:  Random.  Whatever happened in the past may not be a predictor of the future.  Many situations are random, like a coin toss.  We’ve all read that it took Thomas Edison over 100 tries to invent the light bulb.  What if he stopped at experiment number 42 – where would we be today?

Thought 2:  Learn.  When something doesn’t work out the way you had planned in the past, ask yourself what have you learned from the experience?  Each action adds to your future success.  Mistakes and mis-steps are building blocks to where you want to be.

Thought 3:  Children.  So many have grown up under bad circumstances, bad messages, teasing, braces, not being popular or being told we’re [fill in a negative statement].  Most of the universe isn’t aware of your baggage.  If the universe isn’t holding onto these “truths” why are you?

Thought 4:  Self-talk.  Watch what you say to yourself.  Using words like can’t, never, unable, unworthy, bad, don’t serve you at all.  If your negative thoughts slip in throughout the day, ask yourself – why not?  How can you get that promotion?  How should you present your idea?  What can you do to get what you want?

Thought 5:  Easy.  It’s easy to get caught up looking at others’ success.  It seems so effortless.  Others have advantages, opportunities and all the good stuff.  You may be comparing others’ strengths to your weaknesses.  How well others do is not a reflection of how well you will do.  Learn from those around you and put blinders on when you start comparisons.

Thought 6:  Get help.  If your beliefs are holding you back and you can’t get beyond the past seek help.  Help comes in all forms.  Talk to other successful people and find out how they did what you’d like to do.  Read books, listen to audio tapes, watch videos – the materials are endless.  I have a friend, Laura Palmer who offers wonderful services click here to visit her website and see if she can help.  Perhaps counseling is in order or a therapist.  Wallowing in the past keeps you stuck, doing something about it moves you forward.

How do you deal with the past?  Does it hold you back?  What advice do you have?  Leave your comments below.

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