Don’t let the past dictate the future.

This is the first philosophy that I didn’t hear someone else say, or read on some inspirational quote on Instagram, that I live by.

The reality behind “inspirational” quotes. Your likes, shares and plagiarised posts are all just analytics baby. You are just a cog in the machine… wait no skip this I’m trying to inspire you!

Now I am sure I am not the first person to think of this, I just haven’t heard anyone else say it. However at it’s core, it is such a basic concept I am sure there are thousands of other phrases, that basically mean the same thing. However the basic concept of this phrase can be applied to everything.

For instance, our very existence as living beings on this planet is only quantifiable by our concept of time. Time only moves forward. No matter how much you act based on past actions the past is done, get over it.

This is why I live by these words. Never think you know everything. You don’t. If you become complacent or comfortable you lose. Never think today is just another day, it’s not, it’s what you make it.

“Yeah man, now I’m inspired to go make my own future!” – this is what you thought in my head.
“But wait, It’s not about a quick shot of inspiration young buttercup. It’s about knowing how to stay ahead of the game.” – Me teaching young buttercup a life lesson I think I get at 23.

Having this principle in the back of my mind hasn’t come without it’s pitfalls. Thinking like this means you will recognise when certain things become a waste of time. I hate this, but I have learnt to deal with it. So whenever you start a new job or take a new course, whatever you are doing you will notice a lot of lessons that are required, are essentially pointless.

For instance I am a media student. When I have to learn who invented the first ever camera, as part of my qualification, it seems redundant. In all honesty I have never been a history buff, but knowing the history of the camera doesn’t necessarily make any better at using one today.

The reasons behind why this still happens are usually trivial. But whats important is that you recognise when the past and its teachings won't benefit you. Don't waste your time.

“So what is your point, oh grand wise master?” – buttercup
“It is this…” – Master of Time and Life advice, Me

The point I am trying to make is that whilst I advise this mindset. Not everyone believes in it. If you are a student I can almost guarantee your teacher doesn’t. But I still use it. It boosts your confidence, admittedly by making you shameless, but that's not gonna hurt anyone.

Maybe your reputation, but your reputations value is subjective. It means you can live in the now. Don’t dwell on the past. Dwell on today's mistakes they are the ones that are insolvable mountains of embarrassment. Savour them. Live in them.

“You have learnt all I have to teach you buttercup” – Time Wizard
“Great, can I go now? … oh and my names not buttercup, and for the record even if it were it’s Buttercup, with a capital B, learn grammar you idiot. And take of that fucking wizard hat and get that Flavor Flav clock from around your neck. Im sure someone in the past told you, you can’t go outside like that but you decided the “future is yours”, weirdo” – Mean Buttercup
“Too mean…” – Me as I cry and blow my nose into the wizard hat my mum sowed me.

Follow me on Twitter @ Jackopalypse
Tell me what words you live by? ... Do you have a wizards hat?!

...Also This is my first ever post here, I thought instead of a generic hi, my name is type of thing, I would let you all know a little about my mindset so you know me a bit better. Besides you know my name if you have found this article. All I will say is I am a student and make videos, so expect videos in the future.