We all wish we could go back and change something that happened in our past, but we also know that there’s no way we can time travel (at least at this point in time). So, rather than focusing on the past, what if we shifted our focus to altering our present to bring about a better future?
No matter how much we wish we could change the past, it is more beneficial for us to live in the present so that we can make a better future for ourselves.
The Problem with Dwelling on The Past
Dwelling on the past is problematic for several reasons including the following:
The Story Stays the Same
First and foremost, focusing on the past is futile. There is no way to go back and change something that already occurred, so dwelling on what has already passed just prevents us from moving on.
You Miss Out on the Present Moment
When you live your life reflecting on the past, you miss what is happening directly in front of you. You miss opportunities, relationships, and positive moments.
It Makes Us Feel Stuck
Living in the past can also cause you to feel stuck in life. It brings about feelings of anxiety and leads you to feel helpless about improving your situation.
How to Focus on Changing your Future
Before we get into some tips for changing your future, there is an important distinction to make. Focusing on changing your future is different from living in the future. Living in the future is often brought on by anxiety and causes people to worry about what is yet to come. Changing your future requires living in the present and actively working to improve your life for the better.
Here are some ways that you can get your head out of the past and start working towards a better future.
Try New Things
When you start making changes to your life, you should try new things. Trying new things is a great way to expand your horizons and begin to figure out what you want in your life and what you don’t. You also might gain a new passion along the way.
Be Okay with Change
Change isn’t always easy, and some people struggle with it more than others. In order to make any kind of change in your life, you have to give yourself permission to change.
Find Meaning in Everything You Do
Making a better future for yourself involves finding meaning and purpose in your life. Everything you do should have a meaning. If you can’t find meaning in a certain part of your life, maybe it isn’t right for you.
Set Goals
I cannot preach the value of goal setting enough. Goals are so important to improving your life because they give you something to work towards and they give you the motivation to get there. Try working on one goal at a time and hold yourself accountable to stay on track. You’d be surprised how many goals you can achieve in a year’s time.
Living in the present is what allows us to focus on changing our future rather than letting the past rule our lives.
