Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past, advocating for embracing the current moment to pursue dreams and personal growth.

Abstract

The author shares a personal struggle with self-doubt and the temptation to ruminate on past decisions, particularly in the wake of significant life changes like breakups and divorce. Despite preaching the mantra "I am exactly where I am supposed to be," the author acknowledges the challenge of practicing this forward-looking mindset, especially regarding professional goals. The article argues that looking back can be unhealthy and a waste of time that could be better spent building towards one's dreams. It encourages readers to learn from the past but not to dwell there, as the present moment is the culmination of all past experiences and the starting point for achieving future aspirations. The author concludes by motivating readers to take decisive action now, to embrace their potential, and to transform their past into a foundation for a magnificent future.

Opinions

The author believes that dwelling on the past is an unproductive habit that can hinder personal progress.
It is expressed that life's experiences, including difficult ones like breakups and divorce, are valuable and contribute to one's current self.
The article suggests that time is a non-renewable resource, and thus, it is crucial to use it intentionally and wisely.
There is an emphasis on the idea that the timing of life events is appropriate, even if it doesn't seem so in the moment.
The author encourages readers to take ownership of their past and use it to fuel their journey towards their dreams.
The article promotes the notion of stepping into the present and taking action towards one's goals without delay.
The author invites readers to subscribe to their newsletter for more insightful content, indicating a commitment to continuous sharing and learning.

Stop Looking Backwards: You Don’t Have Time to Waste

The time is NOW to start looking forward and achieving your dreams.

I woke up today doubting myself.

I hadn’t even hit the snooze button on my phone the typical half-dozen times yet, but I was already stuck in a vicious thought loop ruminating over the past — beating myself up for decisions that I didn’t make, didn’t have the guts to make, or should have made sooner.

How did I allow myself to get here?

Why didn’t I do things differently sooner?

It’s been a long emotional road lately. Breakups and divorce have that effect, apparently. Yeah.

Divorce is the Ultimate Gut Punch and it Hurts Until It Doesn’t

I don’t know sh*t about divorce, but I know it has all the feels

medium.com

You are Exactly Where You are Supposed to Be

Though I tell myself, I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and remind people of this mantra regularly — yes, it’s a thing when you spend a lot of time talking and writing about relationships, love, sex, and self-love, it’s not always easy to practice what you preach.

At least it’s not always so easy for me, especially when it comes to my work or professional goals and dreams.

Sometimes when I get in a rut, like I was this morning, I find myself looking backwards.

OMG! The temptation to look backwards can be so damn alluring.

But realistically though, looking backwards doesn’t do that much to get you closer to your dreams. If anything, it can keep you stuck in a holding pattern — even in a place of indecision. Sometimes it’s simply unhealthy.

Looking backwards can definitely be a time killer — and sap your precious life energy which is better put to use on building and stepping forward toward your dreams.

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

You Don’t Have Time to Waste

A friend reminded me recently that I don’t have time to waste.

I’ve never had time to waste, actually. It’s nothing new. I can just see a little bit more clearly now due to life changes. Yeah, breakups and divorce also apparently have that effect.

I’m also not going to have time to waste in the future. Time doesn’t stop and it’s not going to wait for me, or anyone for that matter. I’ve got to be smart, practical, and intentional with the time I have left.

Instead of getting caught up in circular thoughts about why I didn’t take my freelance writing career more seriously sooner…

Or why I didn’t spend more time building a side hustle…

Or why I didn’t prioritize my own happiness and well-being sooner…

My time is better spent looking forward.

As is yours.

Of course, we can look at the past as points of information and learning lessons, but it’s not a place to dwell. It’s not a place to keep returning to; ultimately, we must let go of the past, even if it hurts or scares us.

The past no longer exists

Whatever happened in the past has made me. It has made you, too.

All of the choices, decisions, and lack of decision making have prepared us for this exact moment in life.

We were supposed to go through everything we went through. We are supposed to be right here now.

The timing of the things, choices, or decisions we did or didn’t do or make earlier (or are just now doing for the first time) is exactly right.

And we’ve got to trust this awareness. And take action now.

The time has arrived NOW to step forward into your life and to throw yourself into achieving your dreams.

The Future is NOW

It doesn’t matter how little or how much of your dreams, goals, or bucket list you’ve crushed or checked off, now is the time to dive into your potential.

Now is the time to get on track.

To fill up the room with your presence.

To own your past and transform it into something unapologetically and beautifully yours — something magnificent that’s all yours.

Dare to go step-by-step — and don’t look back.

Take the step now.

You’ve got this.

If you like my words, please consider clapping or dropping a comment.

And please consider signing up for my newsletter, what i wish i could have told you sooner. I don’t send mail often, but when I do, it promises to be juicy.

j.j.wolfe 🖤