Look Backwards To Move Forward
January is ‘fresh start’ month.
We have a whole new year that lies in front of us, like untouched white snow.
The pages of 2022 have not yet been written.
It’s time to start anew and breathe in the optimism that is every New Year’s signature.
Paradoxically, one of the best ways to move forward is to actually look back.
Many people are advocates of only looking ahead.
After all, we can’t change the past anyway so what’s the use of even looking at it?
But if we limit our gaze to the future, we only get a partial snapshot of what is really going on.
Examination of the past is a prerequisite for creating a great life.
While remaining ‘stuck’ in the past is not healthy, yesterday’s experiences are an excellent teacher and guide, holding the key that can unlock a brighter future.
If we ignore the past (both the good and the bad), we miss out on valuable life lessons and a deep source of wisdom.
January is the perfect time to examine the last 12 months--where you succeeded and where you failed in 2021 (and why).
First, the successes. It’s far too easy to focus on the ‘bad stuff’ in life. Make sure to celebrate every single accomplishment you achieved last year no matter how small. To maintain a healthy sense of self, it’s important to remember how far you’ve come.
Second, the failures. This is where things can get tricky. Many individuals look at their mistakes as ‘proof’ of their inherent shortcomings.
But nothing could be further from the truth!
In fact, I would like to invite you to celebrate your failures.
That’s because making mistakes (and recognizing them) is a proven path to growth, abundance and success.
To understand why, we need to look at how the brain works and the concept of neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity (or brain plasticity) is the ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience.
Our brains are made up of over 100 billion neurons. (To put that number in perspective, that means there are 13 times more neurons in your skull than humans who live on this earth!)
Years ago, researchers believed that the creation of new neurons stopped shortly after birth. It is now understood that the brain possesses a remarkable capacity to reorganize pathways, create new connections and even create new neurons.
When we do something new, it isn’t easy.
We try and fail.
We make mistakes.
But all of that ‘struggle’ means we are igniting new brain activity and creating fresh networks of neurons.
Initially, those networks aren’t fully developed. But with time, all your repeated efforts—all the mistakes and failures--will successfully carve out long-lasting neural connections.
In other words, it is by making mistakes that our brain expands and grows…and of course so do we!
If you would like to learn more about the neuroscience of success and prosperity that can change your life, I’d love to talk.