Looking Back Can Be a Key in Springing Yourself Forward

A couple of weeks back I was speaking with a coaching colleague discussing my progress in the development of my business. We were speaking about looking ahead in terms of how I wanted to continue that development, and feeling very confused as to which direction to take next. My friend suggested to me to take a step back for a moment. Focus on where my business had developed as of the present time. Next, reflect back on where I was in the business development process six months previously. Determine based on where I had been, versus where I currently was how much progress I had made.

So, I took a few minutes to reflect. Six months previously my business did not have a website. I had not yet begun doing a twice weekly blog posting. I had yet to make any offers to potential clients. At that time I was beginning to focus on doing regular writing so as to share what I had learned with those I was looking to help serve with my recently developed skill sets. I was even taking a set of teleclass sessions with a coach who specialized in helping one focus their writing. Additionally, I was beginning to realize that in order to properly develop my business I would need the help of another who was strong in the areas that I was not as skilled. For me, those were the areas of using social media and in turn using it well enough to best present my ideas and offerings. As such, I knew I needed to partner with a Virtual Assistant to help my business grow.

Once, having done the proper reflection on where I had been, and what had been accomplished, my friend then said to me. Now, reflect 6 months into the future. What would you like your business to look like then? What steps might you take to get there? Most of all based on your experiences of the past six months, how confident are you that you can get there?

After taking a deep breath, I thanked my friend for his advice and guidance. I realized I already had a track record for success in accomplishing what I set out to do. Life is a continuing series of challenges which if we take in manageable chunks we can indeed continue to move forward to achieve what we desire. I also realized how much I had enjoyed the prior six months as it had involved the development of my business, and was excited to see what would be accomplished over the next six months. Additionally, it helped to talk things out with a support partner. Sometimes we’re so close to what we are doing that we don’t give ourselves a chance to see things from another perspective. Since that conversatio
I’ve continued to say to myself, where was I six months ago, where am I now, and where do I want to be in six months. I’ve found it to be a very liberating way in which to proceed on the tasks at hand on which I’m looking to move forward, (both in my professional and personal activities).

As you begin to address those opportunities to make sustainable changes in your life in 2011, take a moment to reflect back on where you are at present. Where were you several months back with those issues? Acknowledge yourself for the progress you have made to date. Do not punish yourself for those things not yet completed but instead begin determining those small steps you can take to get where you want to go. Above all, remember life is a continual series of steps, from where you were, to where you are now, to where you want to be. You may not always get there as quickly as you hope, but if done with the intent of enjoying the journey as much as reaching your destination, you always give yourself the opportunity to move forward in accomplishing what you desire.