--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There was no time to look back. Only to…" description: "\"“There was no time to look back. Only to move forward, toward the dots on the horizon, and steer for them.”\" — Lisa McMann" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/735/lisa-mcmann-4356_forward_there-was-no-time-to-look-back-only-to-m_1888047.png" --- # There was no time to look back. Only to move forward… ![“There was no time to look back. Only to move forward, toward the dots on the horizon, and steer for them.” quote by Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/735/lisa-mcmann-4356_forward_there-was-no-time-to-look-back-only-to-m_1888047.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/735/lisa-mcmann-4356_forward_there-was-no-time-to-look-back-only-to-m_1888047.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/735/lisa-mcmann-4356_forward_there-was-no-time-to-look-back-only-to-m_1888047.png) > ““There was no time to look back. Only to move forward, toward the dots on the horizon, and steer for them.”” [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Focus on future goals rather than past regrets, aiming for distant aspirations. **In simple terms:** Look ahead, ignore the past. Key Takeaway Keep moving toward your vision. Themes determination future goal‑setting Mood motivated optimistic Type inspirational advice When to use this quote - career planning - personal development - long‑term projects Key Concepts growth mindset visionary thinking Questions to Reflect On - What future goal are you ignoring? - How can you balance reflection with forward motion? A Different Perspective Neglecting reflection can repeat past mistakes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Dots Horizon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dots-horizon-2708590/) [Forward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forward/) [Forward Dots](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forward-dots-2708591/) [Horizon Steer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/horizon-steer-2708592/) [Island-of-fire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/island-of-fire-94787/) [Lisa-mcmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lisa-mcmann-109078/) [Look forward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/look-forward/) [Move forward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/move-forward/) [The-unwanteds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/the-unwanteds-189143/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“Aaron looked at Alex as they reached the bottom of the steps. "What? What is that? Jerkface? Is that good?" Alex snorted. "Yeah, Aaron.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/aaron-looked-at-alex-as-they-reached-the-bottom-of-the-steps-what/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“I want to tell you a story, Alex." Alex nibbled on his bottom lip, waiting. Wondering now if Mr. Today really understood that Alex…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/i-want-to-tell-you-a-story-alex-alex-nibbled-on-his-bottom-lip/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“because every creature of the sea knows that the Alexes can't hold their breath as long as whales can.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/because-every-creature-of-the-sea-knows-that-the-alexes-can-t-hold/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“So he closed his eyes and imagined Artimé, the way it had been, he way he wanted it to be again. His hands reached…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/so-he-closed-his-eyes-and-imagined-artim-the-way-it-had-been-he-way/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“So what, then? Pete? Clyde?" Cabel rolls over, pretending to sleep. "It's Fred, isn't it?" "Janie. Stop." "You named your thing Janie?" She giggles.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/so-what-then-pete-clyde-cabel-rolls-over-pretending-to-sleep-it-s/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“In the cool dark basement, she whispers, "It's not Ralph, is it?" Cabel's quiet for a moment, as if he's thinking, "You mean like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/in-the-cool-dark-basement-she-whispers-it-s-not-ralph-is-it-cabel-s/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“Cabel flicks his fingers at her, spraying her with water. Grinning. "Sure. I think I'm pretty lucky. I bet blind people have great sex.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/cabel-flicks-his-fingers-at-her-spraying-her-with-water-grinning-sure/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“What did your mom say?" "She said I better not be pregnant." Janie snorts. "What the hell is wrong with our parents, anyway? Wait…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/what-did-your-mom-say-she-said-i-better-not-be-pregnant-janie-snorts/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) ## More by Lisa McMann > [Captain looks at Janie closely. "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph," she says. "You're gonna have a heck of a shiner by the time the day's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/captain-looks-at-janie-closely-jesus-mary-and-joseph-she-says-you-re/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“It's the touching they both long for. The holding. Spent their whole lives, each without any.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/it-s-the-touching-they-both-long-for-the-holding-spent-their-whole/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [The Thickety is a sinister, magical debut with a marvelous and shocking heroine. J.A. White’s elegant writing and masterful plot kept me turning pages…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/the-thickety-is-a-sinister-magical-debut-with-a-marvelous-and/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [She sits in the driveway, freezing, for thirty-six minutes. Arguing with herself. Because she thinks she's in love with him too. And there are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/she-sits-in-the-driveway-freezing-for-thirty-six-minutes-arguing-with/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“She opens her eyes slowly. It takes her a moment to adjust to the bright kitchen light, shining in her eyes. "Can we rearrange…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/she-opens-her-eyes-slowly-it-takes-her-a-moment-to-adjust-to-the/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“She knows some of her thoughts are irrational. She knows it and has always known it, even in fifth grade, when she used to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/she-knows-some-of-her-thoughts-are-irrational-she-knows-it-and-has/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“No choice is best”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/no-choice-is-best/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [Hippie said he couldn't stay. Be back tomorrow -Love,Mom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/hippie-said-he-couldn-t-stay-be-back-tomorrow-love-mom/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“Are you actually laughing at me? Seriously?" Janie rubs her hair with a towel. "I almost died out there. Plus my brain is now…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/are-you-actually-laughing-at-me-seriously-janie-rubs-her-hair-with-a/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“Hux closed his eyes and gave a ragged sigh, as if he’d been through a battle. Everyone around them became quiet, waiting to hear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/hux-closed-his-eyes-and-gave-a-ragged-sigh-as-if-he-d-been-through-a/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [Do you still love me, Janie?' Janie stares at him, incredulous. 'Yes, of course! I don't say it lightly.' 'Say it lightly in my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/do-you-still-love-me-janie-janie-stares-at-him-incredulous-yes-of/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“Ruined by the truth”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/ruined-by-the-truth/) [Lisa mcmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [With the notebook resting ominuslously on Janie's bed, Janie procrastinates. Does her homework first. And pours herself a bowl of ceral. Breakfast - one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/with-the-notebook-resting-ominuslously-on-janie-s-bed-janie/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [“Janie imagines a life without people. Without him. Broken heart, loneliness, but able to see, to feel. To live. To be, in peace. Not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/janie-imagines-a-life-without-people-without-him-broken-heart/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) > [Janie calls Cabel. "Hi, uh, Mom," she says. Cabel snorts. "Hello, dear. Did you make it through the blizzard?" "Yeah. Barely." Janie grins into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-mcmann/janie-calls-cabel-hi-uh-mom-she-says-cabel-snorts-hello-dear-did-you/) [Lisa McMann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) [Explore all 110 Lisa McMann quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-mcmann/) ## More Forward quotes > [Television, radio, social media. The 24/7 news cycle plows forward mercilessly on our desks, in our cars and in our pockets. Thousands and thousands…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-prince/television-radio-social-media-the-24-7-news-cycle-plows-forward/) [Joseph Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-prince/) > [The further forward we go, the further back we have to explore in order to go forward again.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-gardiner/the-further-forward-we-go-the-further-back-we-have-to-explore-in/) [Stephen Gardiner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-gardiner/) > [“You have a right to be sad, and a duty to move on. Only wins who wipes the tears, gather strength and move forward.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/augusto-branco/you-have-a-right-to-be-sad-and-a-duty-to-move-on-only-wins-who-wipes/) [Augusto Branco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/augusto-branco/) > [Don't let anything holds you back, not even your loved ones. YOU must keep moving forward, NOT backwards!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mia/don-t-let-anything-holds-you-back-not-even-your-loved-ones-you-must/) [Mia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mia/) > [If my wisdom could get support from officials, I think society would move forward 20 years.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chen-guangbiao/if-my-wisdom-could-get-support-from-officials-i-think-society-would/) [Chen Guangbiao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chen-guangbiao/) > [When you hang the 'bipartisan' tag on something, the perception is that differences have been worked out, and there's a broad agreement that that's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-mcconnell/when-you-hang-the-bipartisan-tag-on-something-the-perception-is-that/) [Mitch McConnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-mcconnell/) > [I'm a fan of supersymmetry, largely because it seems to be the only route by which gravity can be brought into the scheme. It's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-higgs/i-m-a-fan-of-supersymmetry-largely-because-it-seems-to-be-the-only/) [Peter Higgs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-higgs/) > [I would love 'Aankhen 2' to happen. I would have Govinda and I play these two brothers and having kids who can take it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chunky-pandey/i-would-love-aankhen-2-to-happen-i-would-have-govinda-and-i-play/) [Chunky Pandey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chunky-pandey/) > [I really tried to put my best foot forward all these years.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhinav-bindra/i-really-tried-to-put-my-best-foot-forward-all-these-years/) [Abhinav Bindra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhinav-bindra/) > [As long as your curiosity is greater than your fear, you will move forward!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/as-long-as-your-curiosity-is-greater-than-your-fear-you-will-move/) [Mehmet Murat Ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [In today's day and age, one looks forward to experimenting and it pays off at times and at times it doesn't. This does not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ankit-tiwari/in-today-s-day-and-age-one-looks-forward-to-experimenting-and-it-pays/) [Ankit Tiwari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ankit-tiwari/) > [“I'm sure if you go forward, that something you'll find it, you'll find it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chaejin-insoo/i-m-sure-if-you-go-forward-that-something-you-ll-find-it-you-ll-find/) [Chaejin Insoo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chaejin-insoo/) > [I'm really looking forward to a time when generations after us look back and say how ridiculous it was that humans were driving cars.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sebastian-thrun/i-m-really-looking-forward-to-a-time-when-generations-after-us-look/) [Sebastian Thrun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sebastian-thrun/) > [I would not have lasted a minute, literally a minute, on this Earth without God and angels by my side, because I was born.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mattie-stepanek/i-would-not-have-lasted-a-minute-literally-a-minute-on-this-earth/) [Mattie Stepanek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mattie-stepanek/) > [You are innocent until proven guilty. And if folks have come forward, whether it is judge Roy Moore or whether it is anyone else,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-rosendale/you-are-innocent-until-proven-guilty-and-if-folks-have-come-forward/) [Matt Rosendale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-rosendale/) [Browse all 3,019 Forward quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forward/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“There was no time to look back. 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