Why does everything become a competition with the recent past?

I find that I let my past, good experiences, undermine the now. The past was not a waste, that's for sure, but it is the past. I am extremely angry with myself for having anxious thoughts in this regard and the anger is what allows the thoughts to persist (and "anxiety" to linger). Although I am essentially prepared for what comes my way, my thought of the past and "how am I going to re-create this, or that?" blocks the potential out of the very moment, the potential that would just be there if I wasn't thinking so hard. The present, is always in competition with the recent past. Why do I do this? Any or all of it, any thoughts would be appreciated. I think I do it because perfection is attainable; and I suppose I do this out of no longer having it.