Measure Backwards To Go Forward
Book V of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations finds the Roman emperor and philosopher encouraging himself, and by proxy, us, to "remember all that you have passed through and what you have found the strength to endure; and that the story of your life is almost told and your service accomplished.”
The most powerful person in the ancient Roman world at the time, to say that Aurelius faced pressure would be an understatement. To say that he had great aspirations would be obvious, given the level he'd reached in life. There's something to be said for someone so objectively accomplished being so disciplined about remembering the past.
Remembering what's happened is distinct from dwelling on what's happened. To dwell is to disrespect the opportunity of the present, to be so preoccupied with what took place that you sacrifice what can be done with right now. To remember is to contextualize the present, deepening one's appreciation for it, even. Remembering is to keep one's progress squarely in view.
At a certain age and stage, some may find themselves indexing their focus on the notion of how little time remains. A great unlock awaits, though, when attention is consciously balanced between both what could be, pulling on a pointed desire to continue, as well as what has been—the latter illuminating how much has already been overcome, pursued, and experienced.
Even sweeter is this reflection in the context of anything that's plagued you. Whatever flavor of tribulation you've faced, you reached this point, even still.
Even still.
And even still will you continue to astound yourself as you press forward with ever-clearer intent, creating the very opportunity to look back with content.
"The only way to measure the distance you've traveled is by measuring from where you are back to the point where you started," co-author of 10x Is Easier Than 2x Dan Sullivan shares, "not from where you are toward the horizon."
Measure yourself backwards. And then keep going forward.
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