This is the time of year to look forward. We see the signs of renewal in nearly every direction we look. The trees are leafing, the birds are nesting and the grass is greening. Life is showing us once again that the trial of the dark winter always leads to joy in the spring. Now is the time to step into the light of spring and face the future.
The Rear View Mirror
We often look back on the mistakes we made in search of insights on how we can become better. I agree that this is a valuable exercise, but I think it can also hinder our progress when we do it too much.This is because we cannot change the past. We can learn from it, but in order to do that, we must be willing to let it go. That is very hard to do when we are constantly focusing on it.
To illustrate this point, I invite you to think for a moment about the last time you drove your car. I am sure that you regularly checked your rear view mirror. The information from that tool is critical, but imagine what would happen if you attempted to drive your car with only the information you gain by looking into the backward facing mirrors. The results would be disastrous.
The Front Windshield
The view ahead is wide and expansive. It allows us to identify opportunities and threats. We choose our focal point. We go where we look, and we can course correct at any given moment. Periodic "look backs" are necessary, but the majority of our attention must be forward facing.
Success is accelerated when our forward focus is dominated by the positive things we can do to stay on course. There are many ways to get this information. I am particularly fond of asking powerful questions that help me discover the positive steps I can take to ensure forward progress.
I ask these questions of myself and of others. When I ask them of myself, I am allowing myself to be in a reflective state. When I ask them of others, I am allowing myself to be in a receptive state. I ask them so that I may discover positive suggestions that will help me reach my developmental targets. I want to see and hear the things I can do to become the best "me". I want to receive that information in the most positive light possible.
These moments are much different than feedback sessions. Instead of examining the past and what I did wrong, these are opportunities to ponder the road ahead and what I may become.
Now Is The Time
The hope of spring provides an excellent opportunity to look forward. Now is the time to identify the steps that will take you to your next level. The days are longer and the spirit of renewal is in the air. Take some time to ask yourself the following questions.
Am I checking the rearview mirror too often?
Am I focusing enough on the opportunities of the future?
Am I allowing others to speak positive suggestions in my life about the goals I wish to accomplish?
The front windshield provides much better information than the rearview mirror. Your opportunities are straight ahead. You are going to go where you steer, so steer toward the positive.
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