If you’re finding yourself caught up in old ways of thinking and doing, it’s no surprise you’ll eventually slip back into who you used to be. Forward is the direction to go; looking back only weighs you down.

Success is built on setting and achieving goals. And goals are more than just ideas—they’re a journey toward something meaningful. To get there efficiently, you should only bring what’s necessary, leaving behind anything that will hold you back. Think of it as a trip you’re preparing for: you want to reach the destination in great shape, with solid energy and good momentum. But carrying unnecessary baggage will slow you down and drain your resources.

When setting goals, planning helps, but it’s just as crucial to know what to leave behind. That extra weight might look like old beliefs, habits, doubts, or even the opinions of others. Sometimes, it’s our own self-doubt or our inner critic that can sneak in as unnecessary weight. Eliminating these is part of the journey. It’s a process, requiring thought, intention, and a bit of ‘homework’—but it’s necessary to keep moving forward. The trick is not to get lost in planning itself because over-planning can be just as much of a trap, causing us to delay or freeze. We need a solid framework, but then we must move.

Once you’re set and you start moving, everything that’s been left behind should stay behind. From here on, old patterns, limiting beliefs, or people asking you to slow down, pause, or wait for them will only disrupt your path. They may say, “Why are you leaving me?” or “Why are you moving so fast?” But your strength comes from staying focused on the journey ahead. They might not understand now, but eventually, they will see why you had to keep going.

In the beginning, staying focused on now and what’s ahead is everything. Looking back will only cause you to trip up or lose the momentum you’ve worked to build. Looking back too often risks a backslide, taking you right back to square one. The journey forward takes energy, focus, and conscious effort because there will be obstacles ahead. There’s no need to invite old obstacles from your past into your present. And along the way, you may even realize you’ve packed a bit too much and need to shed more baggage as you go.

Personally, I’ve learned that letting myself down leaves a more lasting impact than the opinions of others. When I don’t meet my own standards, that’s what sticks. Ultimately, my goals are mine to achieve; it’s not my job to convince others to believe in them. My responsibility is to make progress toward them.

So when making choices, I ask myself: Is this helping me or holding me back? Is this action moving me forward, or is it keeping me stuck? Each question leads to a feeling, and that feeling shows me the direction I need to take. Trusting my inner guidance has shown me where my happiness lies, and I’ve also learned that ignoring it leads to my unhappiness.

I want success and fulfillment for everyone. Everything I wish for myself, I wish for you. I want you to want it just as much for yourself. Whatever your goal, know that if you truly believe in it, it’s possible. But you’ll need to be intentional, leave behind what doesn’t serve you, and stay vigilant about not picking up new baggage along the way.

Remember, now and forward are what matter. Use the wisdom you’ve gained from the past, but don’t get stuck in old cycles by repeating the same thoughts. Let them go, and you’ll finally feel yourself moving ahead.