I recently wrote the post “The Power of Yet”, in which I wrote about the importance of incorporating the idea that you don’t know something “yet,” or you can’t do something “yet”… But you will be able to do it in the future. It was based on Carol Dweck’s concept of Growth Mindset. It focused on the idea that we can all improve and develop new skills.
Today I wanted to highlight the importance of another key idea in personal development. It is the concept of “next.”
- IN LIFE, THE CONCEPT OF “NEXT” HAS A TRANSFORMATIVE POWER. Beyond marking the conclusion of a stage or the arrival of a new task, “next” is synonymous with opportunity, growth, and evolution. “Next” means moving forward, not getting stuck in failures, setbacks, or unfulfilled expectations. It is having the ability to look to the future, to open up to what is coming with curiosity and determination. Every “next” is a new opportunity to start over, improve what we’ve already done, or even take a completely different direction. “Next” also means not settling for success. It means “not resting on your laurels” and continuing to work towards your goals.
- IN BUSINESS, “NEXT” DRIVES INNOVATION – THE CREATION OF NEW IDEAS, PRODUCTS, AND SOLUTIONS. In our personal lives, it gives us the push to keep moving forward, to make better decisions, learn from mistakes, and grow as people.
- IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS, THE CONCEPT OF “NEXT” IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE. For example, in golf, the most important shot is the next one. Whether you’ve done well on previous shots or you’ve done poorly, the next shot is where you should focus your attention. In all other sports, it’s the same. This mindset of focusing your attention on the present moment brings great benefits. The most important moment is the next one, so forget about the past and the future and focus on the present. As Buddha said, “Don’t dwell on the past, don’t dream of the future. Focus your mind on the present moment.”
But THE TRUE POWER OF “NEXT” LIES IN ITS ABILITY TO REMIND US THAT THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING BEYOND WHAT WE THINK IS DEFINITIVE. No matter how difficult the road has been or how great the challenge is, there will always be a “next” waiting to be explored and taken advantage of. Next has a lot to do with the attitude with which you face challenges. With the idea of not giving up. Of continuing to fight to achieve your goals. When a client tells you no, think about the next client. When a shot at a basket doesn’t go in, think about the next.
Michael Jordan said, “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
So don’t give up. Try again. Again, and again. Persevere, because as Victor Hugo said, “Perseverance is the secret of all success.”
So don’t be afraid of the “next.” It’s a new beginning, a new chance to reinvent yourself and build the future you want. Because as Deepak Chopra said, “Treat every moment as a gift, that’s why they call it the present.”
