The 2020 carousel continues ’round and ’round. The vantage point has changed. Just like a major correction comes to a stock market, so too has the paradigm shifted for our future.
Hindsight is 20/20, of course. While we shouldn’t get caught up with the things we see in the rearview mirror, we can certainly benefit by looking at history, even recent history. Glance backwards, though, and focus forward.
Here’s the critical question: If you knew then what you know now, what would you have done differently 4-5 months ago?
Would you have:
- Saved more money?
- Handled that health situation differently?
- Maybe not bought that new car or boat or big toy?
- Worked those extra hours or took that job offer?
- Enrolled for that class or training?
- Moved to another state?
- Sold your house and downsized?
Life events are just that — events. They have a beginning and an end, but they can leave damage in their wake, especially if we are unprepared. The good news is that we can still prepare for tomorrow and now’s a good time to do that. There will be another paradigm shift in the form of an economic downturn, job loss, medical emergency, or someone in your family will need some help. It’s just a question of when.
Looking forward, it’s essential to learn from past experiences. Remember, the rearview mirror is smaller than the windshield for a reason. Glance backwards, focus forward.
If you knew then what you know now, what would you have done differently 4-5 months ago?
And you can flip that to your advantage: What do you know now that you didn’t know 4-5 months ago that can benefit you 4-5 months from now? Turn your hindsight into foresight. Bring the recent past into your present to change your future. Take the things that didn’t turn out so well and turn them into insight and mental preparation for the trip ahead.
What do you need to change? What have you learned during this season that will help you in the future? What would you have done differently 4-5 months ago if you’d only known what was coming?
Review the questions honestly and sincerely and you’ll have a better understanding of how to move forward. Remember, evaluate and understand, don’t dwell and wallow!
If you want to see clearly in the muddledness of 2020, learn from your hindsight, live for today and plan for tomorrow.