Create a Future That Outshines the “Good Ol’ Days”.
I am always amazed to see just how many people let their past define their future. The reality is that our past, should NOT dictate our future.
The reality is that we all have memories, some good and some bad. Those should not impact our future though, as our future isn't dictated by our past.
Let me example...
The "Trap" of Nostalgia.
It’s easy to get caught up in nostalgia, or the "good ol' days". We often find ourselves wishing we could relive those moments when everything seemed perfect.
Whether that was a time in your life where you were rife with cash, you had your "dream" job, or you relationships were in what you felt like were a perfect state, these past memories are not helpful when we are trying to create a better future ahead of us.
It may make us feel good reflecting like this. But here’s the catch.
Every minute spent longing for what’s already been lived, is a minute not invested in helping shape your future.
Dwelling on the past works the same way.... our failures, our most trialing moments.
Those shape us as people, but wallowing in previous setbacks, can stop you from taking risks, learning new skills, or pursuing fresh opportunities in front of you.
The “good ol’ days” are exactly that...days that are gone. They are part of your story, but they don’t have to define your future.
So My Task for You. Shift Your Focus...Forward.
Instead of fixating your mindset to yesterday’s events, spend that same time focusing on endless possibilities that lie ahead. Because there are lots, and there always will be.
Some examples of what I am referring to could be:
- Want More Money? Instead of reminiscing about past earnings, focus on the strategies and steps you can take to create additional streams of income in the future.
- Looking for Personal Fulfillment? Past jobs or relationships may have brought you joy, but your future holds the potential for even greater fulfillment through new passions, career paths, or personal projects.
- Want to Achieve Greatness? You might feel limited by your current skill set, but every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become the person you aspire to be. Your tomorrow should be a more knowledgable you than today.
One thing I have always done is look to the future. I tend to have a bad memory about things from the past, simply because I think I am so fixated on making my future better.
Focus on your future. Focus on a better future that you can create for yourself.
Rather than wishing for a return to “the good ol’ days,” channel that energy into creating new, positive experiences.
Remember, every moment spent in the past is a moment that could have been used to build a future filled with more money, better relationships, personal growth, and greater fulfillment.
Today is the perfect day to start.
Let’s move forward...because the best is yet to come.
Recent Comments
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I just came across a video of a woman, who is both empowering and inspiring..
She did not let her past inluence her future.
One may not have control over circumstances, but one may control how one reacts to life' challenges.
This remarkable woman is Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim, a Malaysian media str.
https://youtu.be/o9ImwASfeoA?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/o9ImwASfeoA?feature=shared
As a baby boomer, my question is what was so great about those good old days. I have kept myself young by thinking, planning and instigating that this year is my best yet. It normally is.
Am I nostalgic, yes occasionally especially when traveling with two backpacks alone I am nostalgic for the time before I was widowed and someone else carried one of them
Seriously now, focus on the now and make it the most fulfilling, brightest most joyous and profitable it can be
That is an wonderful approach to life, and to business Catherine. I can tell you have been able to establish this approach in your life, and it is my goal to keep this approach going for myself (and to teach it to others.
I see way too many people getting caught up in the good times or what could have been, or dwelling on past failures. Today is a new day, a day where you can improve and advance your life/business in a positive direction, and if you take this approach every day, your future will be bright! :)
At the end of the day it is claiming freedom by being totallt responsible for our actuons. Living in the past is being a victim. Rhe past is a great place for a fleeting visit
There is only one moment between the past and the future, and that is the present moment. Learn to enjoy it and it will change your life.
Yes, that is the challenge! But once you stop and realize that you live right here and now, it is the most wonderful thing that can be.
Present moment, live it, be happy, constantly challenge yourself to become better with each day. One thing I have found over the years is that small daily success habits, add up to a much more successful future. ;)
Looking back at past successes can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can serve as motivation, reminding you of what you’re capable of. It can also provide valuable insights into what worked before, helping you identify patterns that might still be relevant.
However, if you dwell too much on past success, especially when struggling now, it can lead to frustration, comparison, and even self-doubt. You might start feeling like you're chasing a version of yourself that no longer exists, rather than evolving into something new.
The best approach is to take lessons from the past but focus on the future. Instead of trying to replicate past success, think about how you can adapt and innovate based on where you are now. The world changes, you change, and success might look different moving forward.
Looking back at past successes can be valuable, but it depends on how you reflect on them. If you analyze them to identify what worked, why it worked, and what has changed since then, it can be a powerful learning tool. However, if looking back leads to frustration or comparison that hinders progress, it may be counterproductive.
Ask yourself:
What strategies did I use back then?
What market conditions, resources, or mindset contributed to success?
What has changed in my industry, skills, or approach?
Am I adapting to new challenges, or am I trying to apply old solutions to a new landscape?
If you're struggling to replicate success, it might be time to innovate rather than imitate. Success often comes from adapting to the present, not just repeating the past.
Absolutely Kevin, very well said and you would definitely know! We often times reflect on the past to try to learn about what is best to do in the future, and that is fine...
But that typically leads to us wishing the future was like the past, or simply dwelling on the negative things from the past and that will stifle productivity and innovation.
Great little list of questions one can ask themselves, I think that is definitely useful. Appreciate your insights here!
Great strategy kevinmj and one that I often use and share with others. Thanks for sharing this valuable mindset.
Great tips. Someone said yesterday is gone and tomorrow is yet to come. Instead of regretting the past, or worrying about tomorrow, I chose to focus on the here and now, on the tasks right in front of me, right now, right here.
It's yet to produce results, but my focus on my WA business is a sure thing to confirm my new life, my new mindset.
I still recall my recent past, but I won't allow regret to have a chance. To overcome thoughts about my past toxic relationships, I have something to focus on: writing.
John
Yeah, love that saying John. Don't regret the past, that won't do us any favours. Instead, look at the past for what it is, it is behind us. And yes, sometimes we may have had incredible successes in our past, but our future and growth dependent on our actions today, and tomorrow, and the next day.
Set goals for yourself in the future, and work to achieve them. Incredible things can and will happen!
Good morning Kyle,
That's a great blog post! Were you thinking of me when you wrote it!🤣😂
Seriously though, I couldn't agree with you more and I think for many of us, it's easy to look back at the past, which is kind of good, but realistically we have to look to the future and our potential.
That sounds like a really good thing, Kyle, to kind of forget things from the past and focus on making a better future!
Your last few paragraphs are so true and brilliant, Kyle! I have bookmarked your page for future reference!! Very sound advice indeed.
Have a great day.
Roy
I was thinking of everyone! Too many people are trying to relive the past, or spending time thinking about the past events that adversely impacted them...and even positive memories.
Focus on the future, it is the only thing you can now control :)
Good morning Kyle,
That's good, I'm not the only one then!😄 I do understand where you're coming from, we can't go backwards and forwards, or at least we should be going forward!
Thank you for a really great blog post, it's a really good reminder to keep focusing on the future.
Have a great day.
Roy
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All of us humans should know that overcoming difficulties and achieving success is a very difficult task, but we must use our hard work and determination to do our jobs properly and not go astray in our lives. Thank you, Kylie. You really have good things to say and points to make about success
Of course, if anything is easy, then everyone is doing it. If it is a bit more difficult, you get less and less people doing it. That is why if you work hard at something beyond the point where it gets difficult, you naturally become better at something than most and achieve higher success than them.
Build a better future for yourself starting today. Work hard, take action, learn lots, and repeat. Your small daily habits and effort add up to something that is much more substantial. ;)