It’s the time of the year for reflection and nostalgia, and while I am a big believer of taking a pause, year round really, and figuring what got done and what could be done differently personally and professionally, I am not a big one on lists of the past or for that matter, predictions of the future.
I’d much rather focus on moving forward, while keeping a hand and valuing the now. I take my cue from Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, who found his success not in dwelling on the past, but in literally putting one foot in front of the other.
We can’t control the past, but we do have the ability to shape our present, and our present leads us to our future.
The idea of the unpredictable world we are in keeps coming up, hopefully for the better, in so many places. A few examples were Michael Rosenberg’s year-end story (paywalled) in Sports Illustrated, which had a tongue in cheek look back at the unpredictability of decade past (which by the way doesn’t end til NEXT December at the end of year one)…
“Gosh. It seemed like just yesterday that 2009 became 2010 and we were sure the end was coming for the Patriots, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams. I wonder what hey are up to these days.”
We must balance the new and buzzworthy with the hard work and doggedness to get things done and keep growing personally and professionally while dealing with the how and what we have, vs. the what if’s and the maybes. Inertia kills progress.
“Yesterday? No way. I don’t look left; I don’t look right. I look forward, and I pursue my own sensibility.” – Pierre Cardin
Great quote from 93 year old Pierre Cardin, no? The legendary Italian designer has built a business based on progress toward the future vs dwelling on the past and being able to adapt to a marketplace that is volatile in one way, exciting in another, and very fluid in a third. Looking forward is the best way to go.
Of course, it’s easy to get caught up when we are dealing with the here and now. However, keeping eyes both front and in many cases up will keep things moving along. The best part of having a sense of the past while looking forward? It gives you perspective and probably allows you less time to panic. Case in point was this opinion piece from the New York Times by Nicholas Kristof at the end of the month, which argues when looking at society today, there has never been a better time to be living on the planet, even with all the issues that abound. Pause, reflect and view through the prism of history. It helps you move along.
Personally, I remain excited and optimistic about the future. My father used to fret that “old ways” being forgotten were leading people down a path of hopelessness, one that can swallow you whole in despair. My argument was the opposite. You have so many opportunities to keep learning and growing by listening to those around you that it would be worthless to dwell on the past that you cannot change. Also, by learning from those around you, especially those with a different perspective or a new, fresh outlook on a new opportunity, you increase your own chance of success moving forward.
We learn and we move on.
By the way one great way to keep seeing progression forward? Make lists. Checking things off a list, like chopping down a tree one branch at a time, gives you a sense of accomplishment and doesn’t let you think that progress is not being made. Lists also help manage time and remind you of tasks to do and steps to take. Simple step, big result.
So while we all read through the lists of best and brightest not only of the year but of the decade, along with predictions for a future in areas like media and business that we may have little control or say in, take a second to look down your own road and keep pushing ahead.
Proactivity, observing the road and driving forward will get you through the bumps, and will lead to success for us all. Oh and one more thing…LOOK UP. here is a great read from Clyde Haberman as well. If you dont look up while looking ahead you also will miss a lot!
Just put one foot in front of the other.
Happy 2020.
