What a year. Still we have time 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.
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 94 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.
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. If you don’t look up while looking ahead you also will miss a lot!
Just put one foot in front of the other. Be not afraid. Yes have hope, but do so with a plan and purposefulness.
Finish strong, start 2021 even stronger. We remain in this together
