“You can’t dwell in your past but move forward, look forward. That’s it.” —Caroline Wozniacki

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Looking Forward

As much as we may like to, we can’t change the past. The only control we have is over our thoughts and actions in the current moment and developing a plan for the future.

Why

Why learn to look forward? Denis Waitley said, “A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown.” Looking back only allows the past to weigh you down. When you learn to look forward you’re able to see your dreams for the future and set goals to get you there. With a steadfast gaze focused on the future, distractions will be less likely to get in the way of your dreams. This is why it is so important to look forward.

Vision

What does the future look like to you? Helen Keller believed, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” You have to get clear about what you want to achieve. Create a vision that is meaningful to you. The more meaningful, the more dedicated you will be to putting in the hard work necessary to achieve your dreams. Set your vision and get busy.

Create a path

How are you going to get there? Ralph Waldo Emerson told us, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”  Develop a plan. It is easy to drift off course when you are constantly reacting to your circumstances. A solid plan puts you in a healthy place where you can respond rather than react. Your plan must start with a solid foundation and then it will require continual assessment and updating. Create a path to your vision that starts where you are now and then take action.

Getting There

The concrete on the past has set. Now what? Learn to look ahead. Develop a compelling and meaningful vision for the future. And then, create a path that will lead you there. Develop the habits that, if done daily, will lead to success. Start where you are, with what you have, and learn to look forward. Focus on your dreams; you’ll get there.

 

© 2015 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.