There is a reason why our windshield is so much larger than our rearview mirror. It’s a signal to where our focus should be when driving.
While our primary focus should be looking ahead, we mustn’t ignore the rearview. Our future may not be there, but that doesn’t mean what’s behind us can’t disrupt what’s ahead.
As most of you know, I’m a huge Star Wars fan. I’m still perplexed by something that happens in Empire Strikes Back. Han and Leia escape by floating off with the trash. As they take off, we see Boba Fett fire up his engines and follow them towards Cloud City.
He’s behind them. How did he get ahead with sufficient time to threaten Lando and set up Vader’s reveal?
Yes, it’s science fiction and may require we bend our minds a bit to accept this stretch to reality. And yet, how many times has something snuck up on us? Something we thought we left behind that pops up and disrupts our path forward?
I’m a huge fan of looking forward and moving fast enough to leave what doesn’t serve me in the dust. If I’m honest, however, scanning my environment for risks and opportunities isn’t a 180-degree endeavor. While my future isn’t behind me, an occasional 360 scan can reveal challenges that may pop up (again).
The next time we’re tempted to leave the past in the past, remember Boba Fett. It’s worth occasionally looking behind us to ensure we’re not heading full-speed into trouble.
