What distinguishes our future from our past...?

Consider that the standing question doesn't imply a simple response. Take for example a man who runs his own business and has been doing so for many years. He has made it until then living with the life he has lived. Yet, somewhere, somehow he is unsatisfied with his current circumstances but believes there is a more successfully and fulfilling future ahead.

Yet he scratched his head and experiences a certain level of uncertainty. He does not think to inquire about an appropriate and empowering context from which to answer this question. Nor does he consider that the answer or an answer to such a question may begin to lift him from his circumstances which may afford him freedom from his unpleasant concerns about his future.

Which breeds another question pertaining to the original question.

If a man cannot free himself from the chains of his past how then shall such a man create peace, harmony and tranquility (love) for the future that has yet to arrive?

Could it be said than that a man who stands observing his experience of frustration about his present circumstances but neglects to inquire about his past efforts is but a blind sheep to his many efforts thus far?

And therefore, has rejected the notion by default that by asking the question what distinguishes my future from my past lives and breathes not in the subconscious of man but more possibly lives in his inquiry all together.

And the answer to such a question may provide the insight he needs to explore and question his life with the future that occurs as merely the uncertain path along which he has been walking all this time.