Looking back
Typically, in relation to Looking Back, my advice to people is this: ‘Do not look back, you are not headed that way.’ However, there are a few instances where looking back is acceptable and even beneficial. Here is the catch though, you cannot look forward and move forward, if you are focused or stuck in the past. Here are a few reasons why it ok to temporarily look back.
See how far you have come
From time to time, it is a good idea to look back and see how far you have come. Reflecting on your journey and checking your growth and progress is a good idea. It can be a great encouragement to look back and see just how far you have come, or how much you have changed and grown in various areas. Sometimes, you may meet a previous addict, who will state that they are or have been sober for a period of time. This is a statement of growth, progress, victory, and change. Recognizing personal growth and victory is a huge encouragement, and also provides encouragement to continue on. It can also be a source of encouragement for others who are watching your life and want to follow in similar steps as you have taken.
Lessons Learned
Sometimes, looking back on your life can provide insight. There may be periods in your life when there were pivotal lessons learned. Sometimes those lessons that we learned on our own, can be shared with others who may be in similar positions that you may have once been in. Parents, mentors, teachers, and life coaches have many opportunities to share lessons from their past with those that they are currently impacting and influencing. Sharing experiences and insight can be very beneficial to those who are being mentored.
Checkpoints
From time to time, when we are pursuing goals or specific targets, it can be extremely beneficial to evaluate where you currently are in relation to your specific goals. Looking back to see progress, growth, regression or stagnation can be beneficial for your journey. From time to time, reflecting on where you currently are, or how your journey has gone, you can assess different parts of your life’s journey and how various seasons have gone. This can provide you with the opportunity to assess your life and continue on or to make adjustments, as needed.
Redirection
Looking back and reflecting on where you once were, and how far you have come, can be very beneficial. Especially if you are heading in a direction that is not in the direction you want to go. If you look back and realize that you are off course, you can make adjustments and redirect your course to get back on track.
The rearview mirror in a car is there for a reason. But it is very small. Does it have a purpose? Yes. Is it beneficial? Yes, at times. Now compare the rearview mirror to the windshield. The windshield is much larger. Why? Because the windshield allows you to see where you are headed and the direction that you need to be going.
Here is the catch. It is important to remember and realize what direction you are heading. Forward, not backward or reverse. In order to move forward, you should be focused on moving in that direction, and your energy and effort should be on moving ahead. If you look back too often, you will quickly stop making forward progress, your progress will slow down, or worse you may begin to go off course or reverse course. Looking back from time to time can be helpful and even encouraging. But do not let that make you lose sight of where you are headed.