How to Live in the Present Moment: Overcome Past Mistakes

Its best that we not have regrets over past mistakes. It defeats the purpose of having made those mistakes in the first place. Instead, we should try to learn from our mistakes. Mistakes are the stepping stones to our success.

There is no denying that. We should embrace our mistakes with open arms. We cannot expect to arrive at our destination, without having stumbled a few times. Its part of life. Our very existence depends on how well we cope with our mistakes. Our survival depends on it.

Are you regretful of your mistakes? Do you make conscious efforts to learn from your mistakes?

Trust me when I say that there is a lesson to be learned with every mistake. That is, irrespective of how monumental or small that mistake may be. Thus, if we can learn from a mistake; then we must conclude that mistakes are a necessity to our success. However, mistakes become detrimental when we relive our mistakes everyday.

We should all make a conscious effort towards living in the present reality. It is only in the present moment that we can make a difference. Its a known fact that our present moments will one day become a past reality. Should we then be regretful of how we wasted those present moments.

We should ensure that the majority of our thoughts exist in our present reality. Too much time in the past can be detrimental to our present reality. Remember, we are compromising our present reality when we are in the past. Our mind; we must safeguard.

What is the benefit of reliving your mistakes? Some live their life in the past. They run Images of past failures in their current reality. These images are recollected with utmost accuracy. They share these stories of past mistakes with friends and family. However, they do so, in a negative fashion. People who live in the past may have trouble having positive conversations with people who live in the present moment. As such, sometimes these people are isolated from friends, family and relatives. Similarly, they may attract like minded people and may have an avenue to dwell on their collective misery.

Please do not fall into the trap of living your past negative experiences. There is no need for that nonsense. That mentality will keep you in the past. Remember, your mistakes are stepping stones. Do not stumble upon them and sit down wondering how you ended up there. Rise to your feet. These road blocks or stones are not there to literally tie your feet so that you are permanently locked underwater.

Imagine yourself to be fearful of an upcoming examination or an employee evaluation. So, here you are, consciously worried. Perhaps you are worried about the possibility of failing your examination. Maybe your worried about the rumors or facts circulating about your organization downsizing. How do you think your current reality would be? It would not be very productive. The possibility of failure may actually become your current reality. Thinking about failing so much; may cause you to become a failure.

It is not without merit that great writers have said that you become what you think about all day long. In fact, the popular sports brand, ADIDAS, reads, "All Day I Dream About Sports." Now, if you were branding yourself, would you want that brand to read as, ADIDAMM - "All Day I Dream About Making Mistakes"? I hope not. For your sake and the sake of others. Winning in life is a better thought to reinforce to your mind. Don't you think?

When we constantly think about our mistakes; our thinking becomes blunt. Our thinking takes the form of a negative or pessimistic individual. We must have met such individuals in our time who live in constant worry over the past or future. Think about that individual for a minute or two. We are not here to mock these individuals, but rather, we should learn to understand them as we would humanity.

These individuals may be your friends, family or close relatives. So, lets be considerate. Such people may speak to great length about their past mistakes. A frequent topic of conversation. People around them may attempt to introduce positives to their present reality; but may be brought back to yet another negative experience. These people are sometimes so accustomed to their own mistakes and past experiences that they often find it difficult to see past that black hole. As a result, they may not be fully present in your current success.

Concentrating on their past mistakes; they fail to see opportunities in their present reality. Opportunities do not always come looking for us. Sometimes opportunities come in disguise and we must be willing and able to look for them. The unfortunate circumstance for those living in their past is that they are unable to seize the opportunities offered to them in the present moment. They are constantly absent in their past reality. They are overwhelmed by their past reality and future expectations.

How could I have made such a mistake? What were the circumstances? Who caused it? How foolish am I to have fallen into that trap? I should have known better?

What do we achieve by reliving our mistakes? What do we achieve by going over them with a fine comb? To answer that question; we achieve frustration as our constant companion. We overwhelm our mind with negative thoughts about ourselves and our past experiences. This adversely effects our well being and that of those whom we love.

Its upsetting when loved ones are unable to move past their mistakes. Its almost as if they are in a constant state of absence from their current reality. Many are capable of achieving great things in this world. Redirecting their energy into a constructive endeavor would benefit everyone. They would also be happier as a result. Life is too short to live in a constant state of worry.

Productive people relive their best memories. For instance, rethinking about your past achievements or your recent trip to Venice is productive recollection. It serves a purpose, because it creates happiness and inner strength in your present life.

Think of your past in terms of an access point that benefits your present reality. You live in your present moment, but access your past when suitable and necessary. We retrieve information from the past like a librarian would the books placed on hold. We access our past books or memories from the comfort of our present reality.

We retrieve pertinent memories that serves a functional purpose to our present moment. For instance, past knowledge about computer science helps us work more efficiently today. We are able to use that past knowledge to create a database for our clients. Similarly, past experiences about an associate enables us to do a better job at negotiating a business deal in our present reality. These valuable lessons from the past propel us forward in our present life.

Mistakes from the past are not designed to hold us back in our current reality. It is not meant to have us stagnated in the now. The act of dwelling on past failures for too long is detrimental to our success in the present world. We should take caution to only access our past knowledge base in order to help us succeed in our present reality.

We should aim to see our past negative experiences from the vantage point of an eagle. In the present moment, when we look at past mistakes, we should see them differently. Mistakes that once loomed large may only be a small speckle in our current lives.These mistakes becomes relatively insignificant over time. They are not forgotten however. But, rather, looking at our current life situation; we should take a moment to look into our future. There we will see our current situation with greater insight. We will realize that the large waves that are prominent in our present moment will eventually settle down in the future. Its the law of nature.

Having negative conversations within ourselves can be detrimental to ourselves and our relationships with others. There is no doubt that we influence others with our negative opinions. We live in a highly dynamic ecosystem. We influence each other all the time. For instance, parents who are upset about a past mistake; often have negative effects on their children as well. Parents don't have to convey their frustration to the child directly. Children are susceptible to the negativism around them. Children absorb their environment like sponges. Children are more likely to project that frustration towards their school teacher or their colleagues in another shape or form. Therefore, investing much time thinking about our mistakes can be detrimental to the well being of our children as well as ourselves.

We can learn a lot about life from our children. Children, for the most part, live their life in their current reality. They may day dream from time to time. However, that is usually of an imaginative type. When we are not present in our current reality; then as parents we may actually be guilty of neglecting the emotional needs of our children. It does not matter that we are present at home all day. We must be listening to our children. There are matters pertaining to their current reality. We should not only be receptive to their immediate and pressing needs. We should allow ourselves to enter their present reality. Be aware of the happenings in their life and their thoughts and anxieties of the present moment.

We cannot expect our children to understand our past experiences. And it is unfair to share those negative experiences with your children unless of course, you are willing to teach them a positive lesson. If we are negative ourselves, then how can we expect our children to have a positive attitude. We teach through modeling a positive attitude through our actions and our thoughts.

Our mistakes are also not to be neglected. We need to understand and relate to our mistakes in a constructive manner. By consciously turning mistakes or negative life experiences into positive experiences. Ask yourself this question; have you honestly learned something from your mistakes?

Now, take note of those lessons in disguise. You must realize that there must have been value in those life lessons. The mistakes you have made are worthwhile efforts. They were not made in vain. In fact, all suffering of mankind is not without reason. There is a cause and an effect at play here. Our mental survival depends on how we attach positive meanings to our mistakes.

Everyone in this world is born with purpose. The mistakes we make in the course of our life are intended to teach us valuable lessons about ourselves and the world around us. Ask yourself; If not for those mistakes would you be the person you are today? Be assured that every little mistake adds to the very fabric of your being. It makes us stronger, wiser and a better person. Mistakes are the threads that bind humanity together.

However, repetitive mistakes due to ignorance are not what I am promoting here. These mistakes usually do not help propel us forward. It can over time, once we realize our mistake. But, its best that we make mistakes that are inspired towards greatness. As such, be aware of the series of events that lead to your mistakes. Are they due to your ignorance or are you learning from each mistake? To illustrate, a teacher may appreciate his pupil for asking unique questions. However, he may not appreciate the same question being asked repeatedly without much effort. Its not productive.

However, when we honestly make mistakes and attempt to correct them; then its productive. There is a lesson learned. Its not important that we perfect ourselves, but rather that we learn from our mistakes. There is no such things as pure perfection. We are all learners in this world. Often times it takes a series of miscalculated mistakes to arrive at a correct solution.

Deliberately we do not choose to make mistakes. Mistakes are made through the course of our existence. Perhaps on the path to self-discovery and identity. We may have made mistakes on our path to a successful career in medicine. We may have considered other career choices. However, the fact that we had to stumble upon other road blocks prior to arriving at our current path should make us appreciate our current choice.

In the past, we may have thought certain mistakes to be true obstacles to our success. And that we would not be able to move past them. However, we somehow manage to survive. How can that be explained? Is it a miracle? Not so much.

Survival instincts are at the core of our being. Our bodies are designed to survive. For instance, when confronted with an obstacle such as a ferocious bear; our body responds. The human body has structures that control the amount of blood sent to the stomach and gastrointestinal organs in order to provide more blood to the skeletal muscles. As a result, the increase in blood flow to the muscles help us escape from the clutches of the bear.

We cannot avoid mistakes. Its inevitable. A life without mistakes is meaningless. It doesn't teach us much, but rather to fear mistakes itself. As a society we learn best from making mistakes. We make mistakes all the time. For instance, when required to learn a subject matter; we initially make mistakes. Sometimes, we are also judged by our mistakes.

Great inventors and notable personalities throughout history have made mistakes. For instance, Walt Disney, was once proclaimed to have no imagination. Can you imagine that? The man behind Disney. If it wasn't for Walt Disney we would not have had such classics as the Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Alladin.

Therefore, we should not let others interpret the results of our mistakes for us. You are the only determinant of your future. Take ownership of your mistakes. Your mistakes are not indications that you are incapable of a particular task. Rather, It means you haven't perhaps invested sufficient effort and time towards the outcome. It could also mean that you are destined for greater things.

As a society, we must become stronger through our mistakes. Mistakes are not meant to weaken or deter us. We fail when we see our mistakes as only obstacles. Mistakes are enablers. Its meant to deter those who are not truly motivated from those who are. Its a way of ensuring that the greatest satisfaction in life are meant for those who work hard.

The opinions that others may attach to our mistakes are only opinions. Nothing more. They are not facts carved in stone. It is impossible for another to take you to court based on an opinion. It has to be a fact. As such, in life, we should associate ourselves with facts and not opinions. Mistakes are stepping stones to our success. They enable us to achieve our goals.

Its paramount that we set goals for the future. We cannot set sail without a destination. But, once we set sail, there is no enjoyment in travelling the high seas if we are always worried about the destination. We would fail to enjoy the present moment and we lose sight of the journey. Therefore, our task in the future ends with setting goals and aspirations. We then return to our present reality to ensure that we achieve those future goals in a reasonable time frame. However, we should be careful not to spend too much time worrying about our future goals. As we may again, compromise valuable time in our present reality. The present moment is where we should allocate the majority of our time.

If you ask a wise woman in the last moments of her life; what she regretted most in her lifetime. She may have wished to have made more mistakes and taken more risks. It is not without reason that we remember and feel most proud about the chances we took in achieving our goals. Those goals were not without mistakes. My mother proudly says that each stumble she took was a stepping stone to her success. She succeeded in many ways, as a mother, as a sibling, as a teacher and as a wonderful person.