Life is too short and time is too precious to waste them wishing you had or hadn’t done something before. So, the question that you should ask yourself is: Are you making the most of your life?
As we move through life, we swear to ourselves that we won’t have regrets. Yet, as time passes, we get caught up in our daily responsibilities and problems, make choices without thinking about the consequences, and we forget to think about and focus on the things that really matter to us. We act as if time is going to last forever and that’s how we end up with a long list full of things we wish we had done differently.
We all have regrets and they come in different forms: missed opportunities, petty fights, needless worries, resentment, wrong choices, failed relationships, words left unsaid, deeds left undone.
As much as you want to go back and fix things, the truth is – you can’t. But, what you can certainly still do is take a better control over your life and focus on the things that truly matter to you, be that your loved ones or things that can help you grow and live your life to the fullest.
So here are 8 things you need to avoid doing now so that they don’t become your regrets tomorrow:
1. Not being your true self.
What will matter in 10 or 20 years from now is whether or not you were completely honest with what you felt, desired, and valued. It’ll matter whether you were aware of your thoughts and feelings and whether you honestly expressed them both to yourself and to others.
Trying to impress other people and be the person they want and expect you to be will never do you any good. If you can’t be yourself, you’re nothing. So, don’t allow anyone to tell you what to do, say, or think and who you should be. They don’t know who you really are and what’s best for you. You’re the only person who can define yourself.
2. Spending too much time worrying.
Worries, worries, worries. Once you get caught up in them, it’s difficult to let go. You worry whether you’ll fulfill all your responsibilities on time, or earn enough money for yourself and your family, or solve your problems and succeed in life. You just spend too much time worrying.
What you should remember is that there are things in life that are beyond your control. So, what’s the use of worrying about something you never know if it’ll happen and even if it does, you can’t control it?
Nothing in life lasts forever. So, learn how to enjoy the present moment and make sure you embrace every opportunity life offers you and take risks while you still have the chance.
3. Not spending enough time with your loved ones.
There will come a day when you wish you had spent more time with the people who loved, cared about, and made you happy. So, use every chance you have in the present to spend a lot of quality time with your family, friends, partner, and all the other people you hold dear.
Be there for and give them your undivided attention. This will undoubtedly mean a lot to them and it’ll make you feel happy and fulfilled as well.
4. Settling for mediocre or one-sided relationships.
There’s nothing more absurd, and even sadder, than being in a relationship just for the sake of it. Relationships are supposed to make you feel happy and emotionally fulfilled. And only a meaningful, deep, harmonious relationship can give you that.
You should never settle for a relationship with someone who doesn’t return your feelings and who is always distant and unwilling to commit themselves to you. Neither you should be with someone who just makes you feel comfortable because love is much more than that. So, make sure the person you choose as your partner is someone worthy of your love and attention.
5. Not standing up for yourself and what you believe in.
You need to understand that your opinions do matter. Don’t let others judge and criticize you just because your opinions are different from theirs. Always speak your mind and stand up for yourself. But, most importantly, never allow what others think and say about you get to you and make you feel unworthy.
And if you’re passionate about something don’t let anyone take that passion away from you. Stick to your opinions, beliefs, values, and passions and don’t let anyone tell you to think and act otherwise.
6. Not pursuing your dreams.
Don’t let your life get past you – make sure you live it. And this means never let anything and anyone prevent you from chasing your dreams. Without them, you’ll end up feeling empty and lost.
So, figure out what you want to have and do in life, be that a career, some high goal, a passion, or a once-in-a-lifetime kind of relationship, and go out there in the world and get it. Life is short, so use every opportunity life offers you in the present.
7. Not traveling enough.
The world is a wonderful place and I really can’t think of anyone who doesn’t like traveling. In fact, traveling is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and valuable experiences you can ever have.
Even people who have visited every corner of the world still wish they took just one more trip. So, knowing this, if you still have the chance to explore the world, why not taking it?
8. Not letting go of your past.
Could you imagine yourself after 10 years saying to yourself: “I’m glad I stayed angry at him?” No, I don’t think so. Holding on to your past mistakes, failed relationships, losses, and thinking about the people who did you wrong will certainly not bring you any good, let alone help you have a better, more fulfilled life.
The sooner you let go of these things, the better for you. Because holding onto your past will only prevent you from fully enjoying your life in the present.
