Are your past experiences keeping you from your present successes?

Don’t let fear be your bridge to defeat.

I have read in many books and heard many mentors quote “ You cannot drive your car successfully looking in your rear view mirror“  The Analogy speaks to focusing on the past and how it can keep us from working in the present. There can be no progress in the present if the focus and the angst is in the past. Likewise, there can be no success in the present worrying about what will happen in the future.

Past -  adjective

1.gone by or elapsed in time: It was a bad time, but it's all past now.

2.of, having existed in, or having occurred during a time previous to the present; 

bygone: the past glories of the Incas

3.gone by just before the present time; just passed: during the past year.

Present –  adjective

1.being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current: the present ruler.

2.at this time; at hand; immediate: articles for present use.

Future- noun.

1.time that is to be or come hereafter.

2.something that will exist or happen in time to come: The future is rooted in the past.

3.a condition, especially of success or failure, to come: Some people believe a gypsy can tell you your future.

 In order for success to take place, attention and focus must be placed on the present because the present is the only time period action takes place. Action creates results and results are how businesses are judged.

Many business owners are stuck on past failures and missed opportunities. Such reflecting is like building a bridge of fear from the past to the future, totally disregarding the present. When the present is not addressed in a proper manner, a cycle is perpetuated thus creating or allowing negative circumstances to overtake the business.

An acronym for fear is false evidence appearing real. Fear is relative to the individual experiencing it. Dwelling in the past feeds the fear and forces us to hope for a better out come in the future without realizing that the power to have a better tomorrow lies in the preparation and activity carried out NOW.

Some ways to stay in the NOW with our business are:

• Set daily goals in the morning and review the progress at the end of the business day.
• Set weekly goals at the beginning of the week and review the progress at the end of the week.
• Set monthly goals and review them at the end of the month.
• Stay present and aware with every activity possible while conducting business.
• Develop a mastermind team consisting of individuals strong in areas of business that we are weak. Meet at least once a week with the mastermind group. 

Consistently performing the above task will keep us present, focused and less likely to continue building that bridge of fear over our present situation.

Our businesses and the present moment are a gift, shouldn't we enjoy every moment of them both?