What’s behind you matters of course, but not as much as what’s ahead.

 

Every rider knows the drill: glance in your mirrors. Not obsessively, not with a death-grip on the past, but with just enough awareness to understand what’s gaining on you. Trucks, tractors, or the odd overconfident squirrel, they all deserve a quick scan before you commit to a move.

 

Life’s no different.

 

Too often we’re told to keep our eyes forward. “Don’t look back – you’re not going that way.” Lovely sentiment for a fridge magnet. But we must never forget the past is our teacher. Failures, victories, and every embarrassing karaoke night, they’re all in the rearview, offering context for the road ahead. The trick is to glance, not stare. Reflect, but don’t relive.

 

After all, staring too long in the mirror while you’re hurtling down the A23 is a surefire way to end up in a hedge.

 

The Ego in Your Blind Spot

 

And then there’s your ego. Slippery little thing. It loves riding pillion, whispering in your ear.

 

“You’re faster than them.”

“They didn’t nod back? Must be jealous.”

“Take that corner harder – you’ve got this.”

 

It’s like the rider in the next lane doing a perfect no-hands wheelie while filming a TikTok. Impressive? Maybe. Wise? Probably not.

 

Checking your ego is like a lifesaver glance. Left shoulder, right shoulder. Is your decision coming from clarity, or from the part of you that craves approval, applause, or the adrenaline hit of proving something? Riding with humility means understanding the road doesn’t care about your status. Neither do the laws of physics. Or gravity. Or wet leaves in October.

 

Reflection, Not Regression

It’s tempting to overanalyse the past, especially those “what if” moments.

 

What if I’d taken that job? What if I hadn’t sold the Bonneville?

 

What if I’d kept my mouth shut at the family BBQ?

 

But here’s the reality: you didn’t. And that’s fine. The point of checking your mirrors isn’t to U-turn and go back. It’s to understand how far you’ve come and carry forward the lessons.

 

A glance tells you: Ah, yes, that’s where I almost high-sided my entire career… glad I learned to corner properly.

Dwelling? That’s like trying to ride forward while staring backwards. Sooner or later, you’re going to meet the metaphorical lamp post.

 

Three Ways to Check Your Mirrors in Life

1. Reflect Without Obsessing

Set aside time to think about past experiences. Journaling helps – note what worked, what didn’t, and what you learned. But avoid replaying the same mental footage over and over. Acknowledge. Adjust. Move on. That’s the important part.

 

2. Watch for Ego in Your Blind Spot

Ask yourself: Am I doing this because it’s right, or because I want to look right? 

 

If your motivation feels performative or defensive, it might be your ego trying to steer. Breathe. Reset. Let the wiser self take the throttle.

 

3. Take a Quick Lifesaver Glance Before Major Moves

Before a big decision, glance back at patterns in your life. Are you repeating an old mistake? Or are you building on past growth? Then bring your eyes back to the road ahead – because that’s where you’re going. 

 

The Road Ahead

So remember to check your mirrors. For traffic, for your past, and for the ego trying to squeeze into your lane. But then bring your eyes back to the horizon. That’s where the real ride happens. Every decision, every swerve or straightaway, is shaped by what’s behind. But the power lies in the throttle in your hand – not in what’s already passed.

 

As the Stoics might remind us: you can’t control what’s gone. But you can choose how you respond now.

 

So ride on – with awareness, humility, and don’t forget your lifesaver.

 

With gratitude and a full tank,

Louisa