Happy New Year!
 

2020 is officially here, and I don’t know about you, but I’m on a mission to tackle my resolutions, intentions, and gear up for all of the new possibilities and opportunities this new year will bring.

But one thing I have to mention is that in order to really embrace the future, you’ve first got to learn how to release the past. Letting go of the past is truly a pivotal step in turning the corner on a brand new you! It is an absolute fact that no one - absolutely no one - can change the past. There’s no way to go back in time and try and undo what has already been done.
 

But what you can do is learn from the past.
 

With that being said, it just might be the right time to remove any shackles that are preventing you from soaring into the new year. So here are my tips for moving on by releasing the past and embracing the future. Let’s start the new year as our best and most confident selves!
 

1. Change the narrative

Often times, it can be hard to let go of painful memories that seem to be playing on repeat in your head because of the narrative we associate with those memories. You may feel wrapped up in a story of the past to the point where it’s hard to come up for air because that particular story triggers so much trauma.

When we continue to tell ourselves a certain story of our past that brings up negative thoughts and emotions, we are really just sabotaging our ability to move forward. This is how you get stuck in “the gap” or that never-ending circle of lack.

But when you learn to shift the narrative around past experiences, failures, or traumas, you are signaling to your mind that you no longer want to be stuck. Reframing how you see past experiences will help you uncover those moments to view them for all that they are, not just the negatives.

You’ll start to see the good, the bad, and the ugly, that much clearer to the point where you can accept it. Rather than dwelling on the gaps or negatives from your past, you’ll be able to see it all, including all the positives you have gained from the experience. Then, you’ll be able to tell a more well-rounded story that has ups and downs, but also includes the fact that you came out on top.
 

2. Find the lesson

While changing the narrative is the first step in letting go of the past, acknowledging the lessons learned is the next organic move here. In the wake of trauma or past mistakes, closure is often what helps to put the mind at ease. So when you can learn from your past, you are allowing yourself the closure you need to essentially close the box on what was and move forward.

Choosing to see the past as a lesson is a catalyst for staying in action. When you give yourself the chance to learn from the past, you are shifting your vibration to see your past a gift. And when you see your past as a gift, you are able to loosen the chains around what’s holding you back, to eventually free yourself from being stuck in a bad place.
 

3. Practice mindfulness

The amount of time you spend dwelling on the past is the same amount of time you lose to live in your present. Remember, no one can go back to change the past, so why not focus on the present? When you practice mindfulness, you are giving yourself a chance to breathe and to focus on what’s right in front of you.

Stepping into the present brings peace and calmness in a way for you to be able to look your divine self in the eye, free of judgment, and appreciate all that you have and all that you are. The first thing you should do in the morning is practice mindfulness. It will help you set the tone of a positive day and a glowing future. So make the time and make the space for mindfulness in your day, as this too is helping you to stay in action toward the future you, you desire to be.
 

4. Get movin’

Staying stuck in the past can be crippling, causing things like depression, stress, and even trouble sleeping. A great way to start embracing the future and release the past is to stay active, as quality exercise can have a tremendous impact on your mindset. The endorphins you release when you exercise not only ward off anxiety but also help to promote a sense of accomplishment.

Think about going for a walk: in order to move forward, you physically have to put one foot in front of the other. That’s embracing the future and not looking back. Want to gain more muscle? Well, you’ve got to work at it consistently and stay in action to see results. Taking care of your body is also a great way to take care of your mind. And if going to the gym or taking a group class isn’t your thing, just start small and ease into it. Find the kind of exercise that’s right for you, even if it’s just a walk in the park, and use it as part of the process for embracing your future. Trust me, your body and your mind will thank you for it.
 

5. Set small goals

To be honest, letting go of the past is not as easy as flipping a switch. But it can become easier when you set small, achievable goals for yourself. At a time when you are really having trouble letting go of the past, expecting yourself to tackle all of your monumental goals at once can be quite the daunting task.

So by setting those small, realistic goals, you are setting yourself up, little by little, to reach new milestones that can shape the future you truly desire. Not only are you keeping your mind busy manifesting your ideal future, but you’re creating new opportunities for yourself.

Even if it’s something as simple as going for a walk or finishing a book, checking off those little goals every single day is going to help motivate you to stay in action. And before you know it, you’ll look back on those past mistakes or experiences, as just a bump in the road toward your brighter future.
 

6. Do something today that your future self will thank you for

Keeping in the spirit of staying in action, this last tip I will leave you with comes in the form of a quote, one that I happen to truly love:
 

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” 
-Anonymous
 

The reason why I love this quote so much is because at every moment, we are shaping our futures, and we have the power to make those futures truly magical. I hope you take inspired action from this quote to start living your life on purpose. And remember, it’s never too late to start.

There are so many things you can do when you realize the best is yet to come, like show gratitude, invest in yourself, create your own definition of success, learn something new, get organized, offer help to others, receive help from others, smile more, and the list goes on.

You see, our minds are so incredibly strong that we always possess the power to shape our own realities. So I hope these success tips help you see a future with endless possibilities where you aren’t held back by your past.
 

And for the times when it can get hard to let go, I want to recommend a little tool that may be able to help. It’s a quick quiz to help you determine and uncover exactly what could be blocking you from reaching success in various areas of your life.

This 30-second Success Blocker quiz has helped thousands and thousands of people reveal all of what could be holding them back from living the kind of life we all desire. So here’s to a successful new year!