Dare To Live Without Limits 6/7/2021

Life is in front of you, stop walking backwards

When walking backwards it’s easy to see where you have been, but difficult to see where you are going. You have to really crane your neck to see where you are headed in order to keep from tripping. Although it is impractical to get through each day walking backwards, this is how many people go through life.
When walking backwards, the view is clear. You see exactly where you have been, along with the route you have taken. However, unless you turn around, you’ll struggle making real forward progress.
There are a variety of reasons people walk backwards through life. One significant factor is becoming consumed with the past. While facing backward, it’s easy to identify mistakes, missed opportunities, errors in judgement, and what you could have, would have, or should have done.
Obsessing over mistakes you feel you’ve made overshadows those things you have done right. When the bad overshadows the good, your perception becomes tainted. You then see problems instead of solutions.
The past is over. Don’t waste time rehashing what has already transpired. Lamenting the past enables it to pollute your future. You must face the direction you are headed in order to shape your future.
The future is unknown, whereas the past is familiar. Fear and dread of the unknown cause you to live in the past instead of looking forward towards the future. Regardless of where you are looking, life moves forward.
Instead of fearing the future, embrace its potential by appreciating all the new possibilities it brings. Look forward to leaving your comfort zone. Each step ahead is new and exciting. Prepare for your future by taking positive steps today.
There is a tendency to walk backwards when upset. This is done to focus on the source of discomfort. You become enmeshed with the people or circumstances that spark anger, resentment, or bitterness.
Leave these toxic emotions behind you. Conflict requires the participation of at least two people. Refusing to engage frees you to turn around and move forward. Moving away from conflict reduces its grip on you.
Moving forward connects you with what’s really important in your life. Let go of meaningless disputes. Regardless of your past experiences, your thoughts and behavior influence your future. Concentrate your thoughts on how you want to live moving forward, not on negative situations from the past.
Turning around and facing forward enables you to look to the future. It's up to you which path you take. In order to make the best choice, you have to be looking at all of the options. If you don't intentionally pick your path, you are allowing chance and circumstances to pick it for you.
Whenever you find yourself walking backwards, turn around. Look at where you are going. Alter direction as your goals, needs, and desires change. Adjust for obstacles in your path. If a detour is required, make sure you get back to your intended path as soon as possible.
Having your own desirable goals motivates you to walk forward. Appealing destinations focus your attention on the future. Success requires you to look towards the horizon and beyond. Walking forward keeps you in the present rather than in the past.
Your life is in front of you. Getting the most out of it is accomplished by moving forward. If you have been walking backwards, turning around can happen instantly by making the decision to do so. So, face forward and start stepping into your future.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2021 Bryan Golden