Have you ever spent time looking backward and wondering what things would have been like if…?

I read a recent post (forwarded from a close friend) that put it in terms that make it difficult to not get it.

When author Sue Hawkes writes “You can’t focus on what could’ve been and at the same time move toward what you intend to be.”

This is a universal reference, not just vocational.

It might be easy to assume I’m referring to the promotion, contract continuation or some other form of career-oriented missed opportunity.

How about financial?:  Didn’t get that house loan and now I’m stuck in this [less desirable domicile].

How about relational?:  My buddy took her on a date before I had the chance and now they’re married.  I guess I’ll just be a bachelor the rest of my life.

How about spiritual?:  I lost a loved one and I don’t get how God could allow that to happen, so I stopped believing.  I’m only going to trust the things I can see and on my own abilities.

Here’s a small exercise you might find value in.

•write down ten things you aspire to be as you look ahead.  Start each sentence with “I intend to be … (fill in the blank).”

Ex:

*I intend to be a better listener.

*I intend to show my loved ones more often how much they mean to me.

*I intend to be an extraordinarily inspirational leader.

•make them specific enough to be actionable

•review your list at least once daily and look at it each day for the following month.

Look ahead.  Leave the “could’ves” behind. No one has the capacity to carry all that old baggage while on your journey forward.

Have a blessed weekend!