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The Future's in the Rearview

Jonathan • Jul 09, 2017

I recently saw a video where mothers were interviewed on how they felt they were doing as parents. Most of them focused on their shortcomings, things they thought they were failing at, or areas that needed improvement.

The interviewers also asked their kids (in private) how they felt about their mothers. The children only spoke of the things they loved about their mothers. They talked about how beautiful mom was, the good ways she treated them, or the fun things they loved to do with her.

This moving video had a profound lesson that can be applied to various aspects of our lives.

How we view ourselves can be – and usually is – very different than others see us.

We tend to focus on shortcomings, failures, things we still have yet to achieve, how far we still need to go and our future “not-yet-met” long and short term goals.

Others, mainly focus on how far we’ve already come, how good we have made them feel, all of the things we’ve done for them, the love we’ve given, the fun we’ve had, the generosity, support and help.

That’s what others mainly see. If we went around interviewing people and asked what kind of person they thought we were, and the feelings they have toward us, I think it would be emotionally moving.


More than that though, is the “why”…

I think the reason we would be so moved is that part of our soul would see elated knowing that somehow, some way, we were on the right path – that we are achieving and have achieved so much already.

One of the things that I tell clients all of the time is:

“Just move forward. There's a reason that the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror. The rearview is just for a little perspective."

But now I see that it’s way more than just for perspective.

The past should be celebrated.


We tend to get so focused on the horizon, on future plans and the big-hairy-goals of our lives that we forget to periodically look back to to see the distance we have traveled and to be proud of it. Even if it hasn’t yet brought us to where we want to be, we are certainly on the way.

It’s completely acceptable and ok to want more, while simultaneously being grateful for growth, how far you have come and be happy with what you have already achieved.


As a matter of fact, I believe looking back and feeling the gratitude is an intricate part of the process to receiving and achieving more.

I for one, am super-grateful today for this reminder to look in the rearview and take inventory of past achievements. It’s just the fuel I need to keep moving forward.

 So – Relax. Glance back, and feel the gratitude.

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Lately, there are so many people talking about going stir-crazy out of boredom, lack of a schedule or just generally being stuck at home during this current shutdown/stay-at-home order during the Coronavirus. Ironically, this is the polar opposite for the way life has been for most of us......busy busy busy and feeling like there weren't enough hours in the day to get ANYTHING done! Life's a trip. Times like we are experiencing now can be scary. Especially when it gets us stressed about our fin ancial future and stability..... And while at times it's difficult to not get slightly stressed -out thinking about the future, I have been anything but bored. There is so much to do, plan and create, that I've been running non -stop! "So many people have used economic situations like this to drastically change their lives by making moves they would have never made, had they not been forced by things outside of their control." I know this first hand. Remember the downturn back back in 2009? We lost everything. Jobs, money, savings and even our home, but that is also what forced me into launching my most successful company to date - and I have been helping others launch and grow their businesses ever since. So, instead of complaining about boredom, or binge -watching something off the internet (which is running slow as shit anyway!) we can accept what is, and make the best of it. Below are some personal things you can do to be massively productive with this extra time that could very well be a blessing in disguise, if you allow it. If you are a business owner, Click here too. Work on that passion project you have been putting on the back-burner. Get cracking on that side -hustle or business idea you've been thinking about. Actually watching that video course you purchased. I personally have 3, that I haven't even logged into! Make your own video or audio program teaching that "thing" you always help people with. Finally do - or finish - that home project. Connect with people. Tell people how you feel about th e m. Write letters to friends. Call or video chat with them. Update your Will. Not because you think you'll die soon, but we all will pass someday and we don't know when. Rethink or revise your goals in life. Times like this can help us focus on what really matters to us. Make a list of the things you need to keep a closet full of once everything is back in stock. Do a massive level spring cleaning. You don't need all that shit. Give it to Goodwill. Someone needs it more than you. Think about ways to add another income stream. This will help insulate you a bit more for times like these in the future. Help someone else. Many may need even more help. This can be quite cathartic, even if you are barely hanging on yourself. This is just a short list to get you started. Another VERY important thing to remember is to breathe and stay calm. T hat means staying away from negativity, like the news! I'm not saying to be ignorant of what's going on, just don't be glued to it. Here's why: It has been proven that as a persons stress or “threat level” goes up, “creativity" goes down. We need our brains to be as creative as possible. It's what allows you to see opportunity and problem-solve at peak levels. Here are a couple things that may help with financial stress: Take a look at your finances and trim the fat. Once again, this is not from a standpoint of fear, but many of us are paying monthly for things we don't need or use. There are even smartphone apps that give you a quick rundown of your monthly subscriptions. Here is a link to one for iPhone called "Emma." Even if you are ok and have the money, ask for a skip payment on car loans & mortgages. Since we are unsure of how long this will last, it's a safer bet to keep more cash on hand. Many banks will freely offer skip payments during a time like this, without any penalty. Some banks may have stricter guidelines, so be sure to mention the "Coronavirus situation", they may have a rule that you need to say that to differentiate you from others that call. Maybe DON'T do this, if you are planning on doing a refi soon. Go online and check out which parts of the new Stimulus package you or your business qualify for. There are even business loans from the SBA that have portions that do not need to be repaid as long as you use it to pay employees and/or to keep your business afloat. Click here to check that out. If there is anything else at all I can help you with, use the form below to reach out - and please share.
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