It’s hard to see the way forward if you’re always looking back...

Seems sort of obvious, but in reality it’s not always the case… Whilst it’s natural to reflect on things that have happened in the past, the nuance lies in the motive for action and the outcome of that process. 

If the motive is to learn, inform and unlock the future you are aiming for, then this is a good thing to do. In fact, when things “happen” that stifle plans - professional or personal - it’s often a great opportunity to evolve. 

Where it becomes less so is when looking back begins to dominate and adversely affects the ability to channel those lessons into positive forward momentum. In my book, I refer to the Pi (problem is) people who have an annoying but well honed habit of using the past - not to learn - but to restrict and resist positive progress, working on the (misinformed) basis that yesterday is tomorrow. Whilst we shouldn’t confuse experience with negativity, the thing that bridges the gap here is to remember that positive follows negative; it’s easy to identify the problem, but less so to find the way forward. Sadly, we also all have our own Pi person who lives in our head, can be quite vocal, usually having their say when all else is quiet, and are really good at coming up with all manner of obstacles designed to make you doubt your ability to achieve. Add to that the PI people you may have around you, and you’ve got a double dose of PI which is never a good thing. Spend too much time in their company and guess what you become. 

So, what are you going to do? Professionally, this is where great leaders and high performing teams excel. As a leader, they listen, recognise the challenge, respect it, and then look to either work around it, solve it, or in some cases, flip it into an opportunity. They work as one with their team, bound together in alignment -  everyone is clear on direction, and desired outcome. They are as determined in individual character as they are in the teams to which they are part. For this to work well, there is a clear caveat - this relies on the groundwork being in place right at the start where the necessary time has been taken right at the start to identify what needs to be done, and to agree together on the route forward which can be revisited at any time, especially when those challenges come along. As a leader, you get to create the environment for your team to find the way, and your job is to support them to be the best versions of themselves. 

Whilst that’s all well and good at work, what about from a personal standpoint? Make sure you identify the Pi people that make up your friendship circle, and then move on. Now that may sound harsh, but doing it will serve you well. Believe in your instinct, and the fact that with the right people around you, it’s quite amazing what can be done to dampen your own PI person and unlock the art of the possible. Create the right positive environment around you that will allow you to design, create and fulfil your destiny. It’s better to take a risk, than to live with regret. 

Debate, Decide, Deliver.