People who always move forward in life never get attached to these 8 things

Life is a journey, and like any adventure, it’s about moving forward. But I’ve noticed something interesting in my years studying mindfulness and Buddhism:

The people who are most successful at progressing in life don’t get hung up on certain things.

I’ve spent a lot of time observing, studying, and even practicing the art of moving forward. And in this journey, I’ve found that there are 8 specific things that those who continuously progress never allow to hold them back.

Let’s delve into these eight things and see how letting go might just 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 roadblock for many. But those who consistently progress, they treat failure differently.

In my years studying mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve found that people who are always moving forward don’t get attached to the fear of failure. Instead, they see it as an integral part of their journey.

Think about it. Failure isn’t the end of the world; it’s a learning opportunity, a chance to grow and improve. It’s a stepping stone on the path to success.

By detaching from the fear of failure, these individuals are able to take risks, try new things, and ultimately move forward in life. They don’t allow the potential for failure to stop them from pursuing their goals.

2) Material possessions

I’ve got to be honest with you. I love my gadgets as much as the next guy. But I’ve learned that attaching too much value to material possessions can hinder our progress in life.

The Dalai Lama once said:

“These days, in our materialistic culture, many people are led to believe that money is the ultimate source of happiness. Consequently, when they don’t have enough of it they feel let down. Therefore, it is important to let people know that they have the source of contentment and happiness within themselves, and that it is related to nurturing our natural inner values.”

Those who keep pushing ahead get it—they’re not chained to possessions. They get 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 clear up space in our minds and hearts. That’s when we can focus on the stuff that truly matters: growth, connections, adventures, and, of course, blazing forward on our journey through life.

3) The past

Let’s get real: what’s done is done. The past? It’s like yesterday’s news—gone, my friend, gone.

Yet, so many of us cling to it, replaying our blunders or pining for the good ol’ days. But those who really 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, nothing is permanent. This includes our experiences, our emotions, 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 on. We focus on the present moment and the future ahead. Because that’s where progress happens. That’s where we can shape our lives.

4) The need for approval

Look, we all want to be liked. But there’s a difference between wanting acceptance and needing approval. People who are always moving forward, they don’t get attached 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 our weaknesses, and understanding that our worth is not dependent on the opinions of others.

When we’re constantly seeking approval, we’re not fully living our own lives. We’re living for others, moulding ourselves to fit their expectations. This can hold us back and prevent us from pursuing our own goals and dreams.

Letting go of the need for approval allows us to live authentically, to follow our own path. It frees us from the constraints of other people’s opinions and gives us the courage to move forward, regardless of what others might think.

5) Ego

Ego. It’s that little voice in our heads that tells us we’re better than others or that we need to protect our image and our pride at all costs.

But those who continually move forward in life? They never let their ego hold them back.

I’ve spent considerable time studying and writing about Buddhism, particularly about how to live with maximum impact and minimum ego. In fact, I’ve even written a book on the subject, titled “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“.

In the book, I explore how our ego often gets in the way of our progress. It makes us defensive, hinders 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, life is unpredictable, and trying to control every aspect is not only exhausting, but also impossible.

In both Buddhism and mindfulness practices, there’s a strong emphasis on acceptance – acceptance of 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 rolling with the punches, knowing that life’s going to throw some curveballs their way. And you know what? They’re cool with that. That’s the ticket to freedom, growth, and moving forward with purpose.

7) Perfection

Perfection is a mirage—one fueled by societal expectations that can wreak havoc on our well-being.

Those who keep forging ahead in life have clocked this truth—they don’t buy into the perfection myth.

They see imperfection as part and parcel of being human—no biggie! In fact, they view it as a chance to level up and become even better versions of themselves.

And striving for perfection? It can lead to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction because it’s impossible to achieve flawless outcomes in every aspect of life.

You see, in letting go of the pursuit of perfection, they free themselves from unrealistic expectations and allow room for creativity, innovation, and self-compassion.

This mindset enables them to navigate challenges with resilience and adaptability, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and success in life.

8) Busyness

In our hustle-and-bustle society, being crazy busy is often seen as a badge of honor. But really, if you want to move forward, don’t let yourself get bogged down by constant busyness. 

Mindfulness teaches us the value of slowing down, of just being in the here and now. It’s in those chill moments that we can really think things through, find some clarity, and make smart choices.

Those who are always making progress swear by the importance of mindfulness. They know being busy doesn’t always mean getting stuff done. They make room for reflection, for being mindful, and for just being in the moment.

Thus, don’t fall into the trap of non-stop busyness. Take time to chill out. It’s not time wasted; it’s time well spent. These moments will give you the focus and clarity you need to keep moving forward in life.

Redefining success: Beyond the glitter and gold

If you’re aiming to make strides in life, here’s a hot tip: steer clear of the discussed vainglorious traps. 

Yes, I’m talking about the flashy stuff—the status symbols, the perfection trap, the urge to be in charge, the Instagram likes, the shiny objects that promise to fill that void.

Here’s the deal: clinging to these superficial badges of success is like trying to sprint with cement shoes. 

Sure, they might bring a fleeting moment of validation, but they won’t fuel your journey forward.

So, let’s flip the script: focus on what truly matters—your growth, your passions, your relationships. Because when you strip away the facade and hone in on what lights your fire, that’s when the real fulfillment happens. 

If you’re interested in exploring these concepts in more depth, I invite you to check out my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. It’s a practical guide that can help you navigate life with more resilience, wisdom, and, 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 than not.