Awesome Book Quotes

 

                           Photo by Arthur Ogleznev 

"Do not look back at what you have left behind once you have learned to look forward in a better direction" 

Jordan Peterson 

 

Above quote taken from the book We Who Wrestle with God, page 304 by author Dr. Jordan Peterson 

Don't Look Back—You're Not Going That Way!

Have you ever tried walking forward while looking behind you? Not a great idea, right? You either trip over your own shoes, smack into a lamppost, or get awkward looks from passersby. Life works the same way. Once you’ve found a better direction, looking back at what you left behind is like checking the rear view mirror while going ahead at full speed—it’s only useful for a quick glance, not your main focus.

That’s exactly what I analyze from the quote, “Do not look back at what you have left behind once you have learned to look forward in a better direction.”  It’s a friendly (but firm) reminder that when life moves forward, you should too.

Let’s break it down and make it fun.

The Art of Moving On (Without the Drama)

We've all been there: obsessing over previous decisions, lost chances, and that awkward third-grade incident that strangely still bothers us. The problem is that focusing on the past won't make it better. Dwelling on the past is pointless unless you have secretly created a time machine (please share if you have).

Consider this: You're currently eating a really bad sandwich. You understand halfway through that it's terrible. Do you keep eating it just because you started? Not at all. You discard it and go on to something more worthwhile. The same is true in life; if you've discovered something better, why hold onto what isn't working for you?

Check out this week's Podcast 👇 

The Rear View Mirror Rule

Think about your car’s rear view mirror. It’s small for a reason—because what’s showing behind you is less important than what’s in front. If you drive while staring at it the whole time, well… let’s just say your insurance company won’t be happy with that.

The same goes for life. We all have moments we wish we could redo, whether it’s a career move, a relationship, or those acid wash jeans we used to wear. But once you realize there’s a better path ahead, why keep revisiting what didn’t work? It's better to keep your focus forward, or you’ll miss all the good stuff coming your way.

Lessons, Not Luggage

Now, I’m not saying to just forget everything. Some experiences (even the cringe-worthy ones) actually teach valuable lessons. But think of those lessons like postcards from past vacations—not heavy suitcases you drag around forever.

For example:

Bad breakup? Lesson: You now know what doesn’t work for you in a relationship.

Failed business idea? Lesson: You learned resilience, creativity, and where not to invest your money in.

Embarrassing karaoke performance? Lesson: Some songs are best left to professional singers.

The point is to take what you’ve learned and move forward—without dragging the emotional baggage along for the ride.

Embracing the "Better Direction"

Once you’ve found a new, healthier, happier, or just plain smarter direction, commit to that path. Think of it like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone—there’s no reason to go back. (Unless, of course, you enjoy outdated screens and push button texting. No judgment.)

Instead of wondering “What if?” about the past, start asking “What’s next for me?” about the future. Start to get excited about new possibilities rather than mourning over the old ones.

Final Thought: Keep Moving (and Maybe Laugh a Little)

At the end of the day, life is too short to keep looking over your shoulder. You’re not going that direction. So, straighten up, take a deep breath, and move forward with confidence (and maybe a little boldness).

And if you do happen to trip along the way? Just laugh, get up, dust yourself off, and keep going. Forward is the only direction that truly matters.

Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment below so we can engage in positive conversation and if you have not done so already Please Subscribe. If you love listening to podcasts then you can follow me by clicking here👉Wise Mindset Guy Podcast