How Not to Bring The Worst of Our Past Into the Best of Our Future

According to a Harris Poll, nearly one-third of American adults have a tattoo. Another interesting fact is that tattoo removal is the fasting-growing cosmetic procedure in the world. Why is that? Because tattoos last longer than the desire to get or have one. And, according to the Harris Poll I mentioned, “poor execution” is one of the biggest reasons why people regret tattoos. We’ve all seen the popular tattoo on the person’s chest that says, “No Ragrets.”  

When it comes to achieving our highest hopes and aspirations for 2019, it is important to remember that the windshield we look through to see the future is bigger than the rearview mirror we look through to see behind us.  We must remember that our beliefs shape our reality. If we want to change our future, we must learn from our past. We must exchange our limiting beliefs for liberating truths that allow us to be totally free from our past.

Here are three ways we can achieve that principle.

1. Review the Past.
   In 1981, the U.S. Army developed a system called the “After Action Review.” They developed a four-stage process to help them improve performance and get better at what they do.  
   
   Here are the four phases:
   1. State What You Wanted to Happen.  
      As you look back on this past year, what were your goals, dreams and intentions? What were you hoping to accomplish?
   2. Acknowledge What Actually Happened.  
      What setbacks or unexpected events did you encounter? Were there any regrets? The point of regret is not to try to change the past but to shed light on the present. However, we don’t want to just focus on our failures or disappointments. What were the things you were most proud of? What were some of the wins?  What were some specific themes that kept recurring that you should take note of and build upon for this year?
   3. Learn From the Experience.  
      What were some of the major life lessons or takeaways you learned from this past year? Remember, we will never grow and reach our full potential until we learn from our past.
   4. Adjust Your Behavior.
      If something in your beliefs and behavior contributed to the gap between what you wanted to happen and what actually happened, something has to change. It’s been said, the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
2. Rethink Regret
   When we are forced to look back in the rearview mirror and review our past, it can be a painful and emotional experience. However, it all depends on how you view regret. There is a difference between “I’m a screw up” and “I screwed up.” You can either see your past mistakes, failures or setbacks as a roadblock that hinders your progress and potential or you can see regret as a road sign for new opportunities. What if your greatest frustrations and disappointments from the previous year were actually pointing you to some of your biggest wins for this year? There are always opportunities hidden in regret.
3. Remember That Gratitude Changes Everything
   Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote while sitting in a prison cell, “It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” Gratitude is not just a mood, it’s a practice. As you review your past and present, what lessons are you thankful for that have allowed you to grow and benefit from? What good things have come in your life as a result of some of the bad things you’ve had to endure? Looking at your future through the big windshield in front of you, why not remind yourself that the rest of your life is going to be the best of your life. Be encouraged – the best is still yet to come!

Rodney Gage is an author, speaker and the founding pastor of ReThink Life Church that meets at Lake Nona High School. His passion is to help people live life on purpose. To learn more, check out rethinklife.com.