Looking back on their lives, people tend to regret the things they didn’t do, rather than those things they did do.  It’s the chances they didn’t take or the opportunities they allowed to go by that they lament.

Human nature makes us risk avoidant.  We prefer that which we perceive as safe instead of anything risky.  The known is much more appealing than the unknown.  So your innate tendency will be to avoid those opportunities where success isn’t guaranteed.

Put things off until later and you wind up never doing them at all.  Time goes by too fast and its speed increases every year.  Your age doesn’t matter.  You’re never going to be as young as you are today.  So get started today working on those things you want to accomplish. 

Here are some common regrets expressed by people in surveys.  Use them as a guide to assess where you are and make any adjustments needed.  You may see things you haven’t done up to this point.  If there are things you really want to do, get started.

Not finishing your education.  An education is an investment in yourself that pays off your entire life.  It’s easier to complete your schooling while you are young and free from the obligations and responsibilities of later life.  However, you can continue your education at any point in your life.  There are numerous examples of people getting degrees well into their retirement years.

Not spending more time with your children.  When your kids are young, you are working hard to support your family.  This process holds true whether one or both parents are working.  You are striving to keep your family comfortable and providing for all of their needs. 

Your kids will grow up quickly.  Before you know it, they will be starting families of their own.  Spending time with your children when they are young should be at the top of your priority list.  They need you and you need them.  It’s never too late to start spending more time with your kids.  If they live a distance away from you, keep in contact via phone and internet.

Not spending enough time with your parents.  You only have one set of parents.  You are uniquely connected to them in a way that is different from everyone else.  Your parents won’t be around forever.  When you have a busy life, you tend to put off spending time with family.  This is especially true when they live far away.  When your parents are no longer with you, you don’t want to feel bad that you didn’t appreciate them more and spend additional time with them.

Not living life your way.  There is always a lot of pressure to conform.  You worry about what other people say, think, and do.  You don’t want to disappoint those closest to you or make them unhappy.  It’s your life and you are responsible for your happiness.  Achieving someone else’s goals results in frustration.  Follow your own path and pursue your own dreams.

Not trying something because of fear.  Fear of failure can prevent you from pursuing your interests.  Allowing fear to dictate your actions inhibits success.  You feel it’s safer to avoid risky behavior rather than attempting something that may not work out as planned.  However, the only way to attain goals is by moving out of your comfort zone.  Something that doesn’t work out as planned isn’t failure, it’s a learning experience. 

Live your life to its fullest.  Do things and try things.  When you look back on what you have done, you don’t want to regret those things you didn’t do.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2011 Bryan Golden

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