Life is a journey, and like any adventure, it is about moving forward. But I have noticed something interesting in my years of studying mindfulness and Buddhism:
The people who are most successful in moving forward in life do not get hung up on certain things.
I have spent a lot of time observing, studying, and even practicing the art of moving forward. And in this journey, I have found that there are 8 specific things that those who are constantly moving forward do not allow to hinder them.
Let’s delve into these 8 things and see how letting go of them might be the secret to moving forward.
1) Fear of Failure
When it comes to moving forward in life, the fear of failure is a major obstacle for many. But those who are constantly moving forward, treat failure differently.
In my years of studying mindfulness and Buddhism, I have found that people who are always moving forward do not associate fear of failure. Instead, they see it as an integral part of their journey.
Think about it. Failure is not the end of the world; it is an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to grow and improve. It is a stepping stone on the path to success.
By detaching themselves from the fear of failure, these individuals can take risks, try new things, and ultimately move forward in life. They don’t let the possibility of failure stop them from pursuing their goals.
2) Material Possessions
I have to be honest with you. I love my gadgets as much as anyone. But I’ve learned that attaching too much value to material possessions can hold us back in life.
Those who keep moving forward understand this—they’re not tied down by possessions. They realize that tangible assets can be replaced, but time and experiences? Those are priceless.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying you should live like a monk. True fulfillment is about realizing that the path to happiness and success isn’t paved with shiny toys.
When we loosen our grip on material goods, we free up space in our minds and hearts. That’s when we can focus on the things that matter to us: growth, connections, adventures, and of course, moving forward on our journey through life.
3) The Past
Let’s be real: what’s done is done. The past? It’s like yesterday’s news – gone, my friend, gone.
Yet many of us cling to it, replaying our mistakes or longing for the good old days. But the ones who crush it in life? They don’t dwell on the past.
In Buddhism, there’s a concept known as “impermanence.” It’s the idea that everything is constantly changing, and nothing is permanent. This includes our experiences, our emotions, and even ourselves.
By understanding and accepting impermanence, we can let go of our attachment to the past. We stop letting old mistakes define us. We stop longing for a time that no longer exists.
Instead, we learn from the past, and then we move forward. We focus on the present moment and the future to come. Because that’s where progress happens. That’s where we can shape our lives.
4) The Need for Approval
See, we all want to be liked. But there’s a difference between wanting approval and wanting approval. People who are always moving forward are not tied to the need for approval.
Mindfulness teaches us the importance of accepting ourselves as we are, without judgment. It’s about acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, and understanding that our worth is not dependent on the opinions of others.
When we are constantly seeking approval, we are not living our lives to the fullest. We are living for others, shaping ourselves to fit their expectations. This can hold us back and prevent us from pursuing our goals and dreams.
Letting go of the need for approval allows us to live authentically, and to follow our path. It frees us from the constraints of other people’s opinions and gives us the courage to move forward, regardless of what others may think.
5) Ego
Ego. It’s that little voice in our head that tells us we are better than others or that we need to protect our image and pride at all costs.
But who are the people who are constantly moving forward in life? They never let their ego hold them back.
I’ve spent a lot of time studying and writing about Buddhism, especially about how to live with maximum impact and minimum ego. I wrote a book about it called The Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.
In the book, I explore how ego often holds us back. It makes us defensive, prevents us from learning from our mistakes, and often leads us to make decisions based on pride rather than wisdom.
6) Control
We often cling to the illusion that we can control everything in our lives. But the truth is that life is unpredictable, and trying to control every aspect is not only exhausting but impossible.
In both Buddhism and mindfulness practices, there is a strong emphasis on acceptance—accepting the imperfection and unpredictability of life.
The movers and shakers among us have cracked the code. They know that playing puppet master with life’s strings is a fool’s errand. Instead, they focus on the one thing they can control: their reactions.
They’re all about pushing through the motions, knowing that life will throw some curveballs their way. And you know what? They’re content with that. It’s their ticket to freedom, growth, and purposeful moving forward.
7) Perfection
Perfection is a mirage—a mirage fueled by societal expectations that can wreak havoc on our well-being.
Those who keep moving forward in life have come to realize this truth—they don’t believe in the myth of perfection.
They see imperfection as an integral part of being human—no problem! They see it as an opportunity to rise to the occasion and become better versions of themselves.
And the pursuit of perfection? It can lead to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction because it’s impossible to achieve flawless results in every aspect of life.
As you can see, letting go of the pursuit of perfection frees them from unrealistic expectations and allows space for creativity, innovation, and self-compassion.
This mindset enables them to deal with challenges with resilience and adaptability, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and success in life.
8) Busyness
In our noisy society, being extremely busy is often seen as a badge of honor. But, if you want to get ahead, don’t let yourself get bogged down by constant busyness.
Mindfulness teaches us the value of slowing down and just being in the present. It’s in those quiet moments that we can truly reflect on things, find some clarity, and make smart choices.
Those who consistently make progress swear by mindfulness. They know that being busy doesn’t always mean getting things done. They make room for reflection, mindfulness, and just being in the moment.
So, don’t fall into the trap of being constantly busy. Take time to relax. It’s not time wasted; it’s time well spent. These moments will give you the focus and clarity you need to move forward in life.
Redefining Success: Beyond the Glitter and Gold
If you’re aiming to make progress in life, here’s a quick tip: step away from the ego traps discussed above.
Yes, I’m talking about the glamorous stuff—status symbols, the perfection trap, the desire to take charge, Instagram likes, and the shiny things that promise to fill that void.
Here’s the deal: clinging to these superficial badges of success is like trying to run in shoes made of cement.
Sure, they may bring a fleeting moment of validation, but they won’t fuel your journey forward.
So let’s flip the script: Focus on what matters—your growth, your passion, and your relationships. Because when you shed the facade and focus on what ignites your passion, that’s when real fulfillment happens.
If you’re interested in exploring these concepts in greater depth, I invite you to check out my book, The Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimal Ego. It’s a practical guide that can help you approach life with more resilience, wisdom, and most importantly, progress.
Remember, progress isn’t always a straight line. But with mindfulness and a willingness to let go of these eight things, you’ll find yourself moving forward more often.
