A Reminder to Look Forward, Not Backward

I do this thing when I’m driving where I constantly check my rearview mirror — and, I mean, a lot more than the average driver.

I can’t recall the number of times I’ve almost gotten into an accident because I was so concentrated on what was behind me — Is that car following too close? Did the biker I pass make it up the hill? What animal was that in the middle of the road? — that I failed to see what was right out in front.

BRAKE! And I’m back to reality — the present.

To be honest, I think there have been many “brake moments” in my life — instances where I’m reminded of how important it is to keep your eyes forward on the road ahead.

It’s the reason why New Year’s resolutions, and setting goals in general, are so important to an individual’s personal success. When we set our sights on something in the distance — much like the light at the end of the tunnel — the only direction we’re sure to travel is forward, as it should be.

It’s when we look back that we find ourselves in danger of tripping up, slowing down and losing sight of our goals.

Recently, I was confronted with some news from my past, involving someone from my past, and I could see how dwelling on that for too long could have the potential to set me back. And not because there were any leftover emotions whatsoever, but because any voyage down memory lane has a tendency to make you rethink, pick apart and dissect everything you’ve experienced up until that point.  

Ultimately, staying in the past for too long hinders progression, and I definitely have to be more aware of that.

So, I’m trying this thing where I’m forcing myself to stop checking — unnecessarily — that rearview mirror of mine, and, instead, looking ahead. During this time, I’ve realized so many things, but mainly that the view is bright and full of possibilities, and the past is so far behind that it can’t touch me.