While there are some who are slow to admit it, we’ve all done things that we regret and if we had a chance might do over differently. Without the realization that we have made mistakes, we’re unlikely to have any useful reflection that will help us to avoid those same mistakes in the future. Learning from our past failures is how we make a better decision in the future.
If you are struggling with moving beyond your mistakes and pains here are a few things to remember:
1. Don’t sacrifice the future for the past. While it’s natural to re-visit the past, it’s not healthy to live there indefinitely. At some point replaying the past begins to hurt your present and threaten your future. Often when someone leaves an old job for a new one, they will spend an inappropriate amount of time talking about their past job at the new employer. Big mistake. The current employer begins to get the feeling that you aren’t living the present, appreciating the job you have RIGHT NOW. So it is with relationships as well, and with many other things. Live in the moment.
2. Seek Forgiveness/Resolution. Sometimes you can’t put the past behind you because you have unfinished business. The best thing to do is to see forgiveness, or if you are the one who has been wronged, a resolution. Often you’ll not get the resolution you desired, but it will at least close that chapter and help you move on. Seek forgiveness if you are the offender, and readily offer forgiveness if you have been offended. Don’t let past offenses ruin your present.
3. Live Totally in the Present. Starting new goals, challenges and healthier habits is the best and fastest way to put old things behind you. If you are still living in your mess, you’ll just be continuing in the old rut. Break out and start some great new habits. Before long the past will be the past and you’ll be living the life God had always designed for you to live.
What are some ways you’ve learned to put the old things behind you?
David Curry
