You know, it’s always fascinated me how some people just seem to keep moving forward in life. They overcome obstacles, achieve their goals and are always onto the next thing.

What sets these people apart? Well, they tend to display certain patterns of behavior.

In my experience in mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve observed eight key patterns that these go-getters consistently show.

Let’s dive in.

1) Embracing impermanence

The first pattern of behavior I’ve noticed in people who constantly move forward in life is their understanding and acceptance of impermanence.

In Buddhism, we use the term “anicca” to describe this concept. It’s the idea that everything in life is transient and changing.

Go-getters seem to have an innate understanding of this principle. Rather than fearing change or trying to hold onto things as they are, these individuals embrace the fact that nothing stays the same.

This means they’re ready and willing to adapt to new circumstances. They don’t waste energy resisting change but instead see it as an opportunity for growth and progression.

It’s like they’re expert surfers, navigating the waves of life with agility and grace, rather than being knocked over by them. They understand that just as a wave rises and falls, so too do circumstances in life.

Embracing impermanence allows these individuals not to get too attached to any particular outcome. They know that success is not a final destination, but a journey that involves constant movement and change.

If you want to keep moving forward in life, try to embrace the reality of impermanence. It’s a mindset that can really help you ride the waves of life with resilience and ease.

2) Living in the present

Another common trait of go-getters is their ability to live fully in the present moment.

As a mindfulness expert, I cannot stress enough the importance of this concept. It’s something I practice daily and try to instill in my students.

Being present means focusing entirely on what you’re doing right now, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It’s about paying attention to your actions and being fully engaged in your current task.

This might seem simple, but it’s a powerful tool for moving forward in life. When you’re fully present, you can give your all to whatever you’re doing, whether it’s work, a conversation, or even just enjoying a cup of tea.

The famous mindfulness expert, Thich Nhat Hanh, once said: “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

People who always move forward in life understand this principle. They know that by staying present, they can make the most out of every situation and keep progressing towards their goals.

It’s a powerful lesson we can all learn from. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, let’s try to be fully there, in that moment.

3) Practicing non-attachment

In the teachings of Buddhism, we often talk about the importance of non-attachment. This is a concept that those who continuously move forward in life seem to understand deeply.

Non-attachment doesn’t mean not caring or being indifferent. It’s about not being overly attached to outcomes, things, or even people. It’s the understanding that everything is transient and clinging onto things can lead to suffering.

People who are always moving forward don’t let setbacks or failures deter them. They understand that these are part of the journey, not the end of it. They don’t cling to a specific outcome or get stuck when things don’t go as planned.

Instead, they learn from their experiences and continue to move forward without carrying the burden of past failures with them. They understand that letting go isn’t losing or giving up, but freeing themselves from unnecessary burdens.

In the words of Buddha: “You only lose what you cling to.” This radical acceptance and non-attachment to outcomes allow these individuals to stay flexible and adaptable, always ready for what comes next.

It’s a raw and honest approach to life that we could all benefit from adopting.

4) Mindful responses over reactive behavior

People who consistently move forward in life have a remarkable ability to respond mindfully to situations, rather than reacting impulsively.

Mindfulness is all about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, and not letting them control your actions and decisions. It’s about creating a gap between stimulus and response, allowing space for thoughtful action.

Those who seem to always be progressing understand this. They don’t let their emotions dictate their behavior. Instead, they take the time to process what’s happening, consider their options, and then respond in a way that aligns with their values and goals.

This isn’t about suppressing emotions or bottling things up. It’s about acknowledging feelings, but not letting them cloud judgement or lead to hasty decisions that could derail progress.

It’s raw. It’s honest. It’s mindfulness in action. And it’s a powerful tool for moving forward in life.

Don’t just react – take a moment, breathe, and respond mindfully. It can make all the difference.

5) Cultivating compassion

One of the most admirable patterns of behavior I’ve noticed in people who keep moving forward is their cultivation of compassion.

Compassion, both for themselves and others, seems to be a driving force in their lives. They understand that we’re all interconnected and that helping others is a fundamental part of personal growth and progress.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the concept of compassion as a cornerstone of Buddhist teachings.

People who are always moving forward understand that compassion isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone; it’s about truly understanding their situation and doing what you can to help alleviate their suffering.

But it’s not just about others. These individuals also practice self-compassion. They understand that they’re human, they’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay. It’s this compassion for themselves that prevents them from getting stuck in guilt or regret and allows them to keep moving forward.

Incorporating compassion into your life can have a profound impact on your personal growth and ability to progress. It’s a lesson I’ve learned time and again, both in my personal life and my study of Buddhism. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at the difference it can make.

6) Understanding of interconnectedness

When observing those who seem to always move forward in life, a profound understanding of interconnectedness often becomes apparent.

In both Buddhism and mindfulness practices, there’s a deep recognition that we’re all connected. Our actions, words, and thoughts have ripples that affect others and the world around us.

People who consistently progress in life seem to get this. They understand that their actions matter, that they’re part of a larger whole, and that they have a responsibility to act in ways that positively contribute to this interconnected web of life.

They see the big picture, realizing that personal success isn’t just about individual achievement but also about contributing positively to others and the world at large.

This isn’t a sugar-coated or idealized view of life; it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s grounded in wisdom. It acknowledges that we’re all in this together and that our actions impact more than just ourselves.

Remembering our interconnectedness can be a powerful motivator for moving forward, making positive changes, and striving not only for our own success but also for the betterment of all.

7) The practice of mindfulness

It’s no coincidence that those who consistently move forward in life often practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness, the act of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, is a powerful tool for personal growth and progress. It enables us to fully experience and appreciate life as it happens, rather than being stuck in the past or anxious about the future.

These individuals understand that life is happening right here and right now. They don’t let distractions pull them away from their tasks or goals. They are fully present, whether they are working, spending time with loved ones, or even just enjoying a quiet moment alone.

As Jon Kabat-Zinn, a renowned mindfulness expert, once said: “Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.”

It’s a raw and genuine approach to life that involves paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgement. This mindfulness practice allows these individuals to live fully in each moment, making the most of their time and consistently moving forward.

Practicing mindfulness doesn’t require any special tools or techniques; it’s something you can start doing at any moment. So why not give it a try? It could be the key to unlocking your potential and moving forward in life.

8) Embracing stillness

Now, this might seem counterintuitive when talking about people who constantly move forward in life, but hear me out. One of the key patterns of behavior I’ve noticed is their ability to embrace stillness.

In our fast-paced world, where hustle and busyness are often glorified, taking the time to be still and quiet can seem like a luxury or even a waste of time. But those who consistently move forward know better.

They understand that mindfulness isn’t just about being present during activity; it’s also about finding peace in stillness. It’s in these quiet moments that they can reflect, recharge, and gain clarity.

Embracing stillness allows them to tune into their inner wisdom, listen to their intuition, and make mindful decisions that align with their goals. It’s not about being idle but about being intentional with their time and energy.

It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to move forward is to stop, be still, and just breathe. It’s a subtle but powerful part of mindfulness that can have a profound impact on your ability to progress in life.

Conclusion

 These are the eight patterns of behavior that people who consistently move forward in life tend to display.

From embracing impermanence and living in the present, to cultivating compassion and understanding our interconnectedness, these principles can guide us towards a life of continuous progression.

It’s not always easy to implement these behaviors. It takes mindfulness, intention, and sometimes a bit of courage. But the rewards can be immense.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into these principles, I invite you to check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It provides more insights into how Buddhist teachings can be applied to modern life for greater success and inner peace.

Moving forward in life isn’t about rushing or pushing yourself relentlessly. It’s about understanding these underlying principles and applying them mindfully in your life.

Keep moving forward, one step at a time. You’ve got this!