“If only…” How many times have you said these words? Nearly everyone says these words at some point in your life, and unfortunately, this phrase often comes along with sadness.
To avoid regret later in life, learn about some choices in life that nearly always lead to regret in the future. Once you’re aware of these choices, you can learn how to avoid making mistakes so you avoid saying “if only” later in life:
① Allowing Someone Else to Create Your Dreams
Figuring out who you are is one of the life’s greatest challenges. Being happy with the person you find is equally challenging. Finding yourself requires staying true to the goals and dreams you have. Sure, you probably have people who don’t agree with you.
That’s actually good. It means you’re choosing your own path and standing your ground. While you may do things that others consider crazy, once you realize you’re losing track of time in your excitement, you really know that you’re doing something right. Try reading “The 4-Hour Workweek.”
② Wearing a Mask to Please or Impress Others
Another choice you want to avoid is wearing a mask to please or impress others. If you constantly show others a mask, someday you’ll have nothing beneath that mask. If you continually focus on the way others perceive you, or on how others want you to be, then you eventually will forget who you are.
Don’t be afraid of the opinions or judgments of others. You know who you really are. Don’t try to be a perfect person to inspire and impress others. Let others be inspired and impressed with the way you deal with imperfections in yourself.
③ Being Egotistical or Selfish
The best tombstone is a life filled with good character and loving deeds. Individuals you’ve shared loved with and inspired will still remember the way you made them feel, even after you’re gone.
Don’t try to carve your name on stone – carve it on hearts. The things you do for yourself will die when you do, but the things you do for the world will remain long after you’re gone.
④ Keeping Company with Negative People
If you keep company with people who are negative, their negativity is going to rub off. They can’t get to you if you don’t allow them to. Remember, keeping company with negative people is your choice, not an obligation. Free yourself so you can choose to keep company with positive, compassionate people, instead of keeping company with greedy, anxious, angry and negative people.
⑤ Giving Up When Life is Rough
Sometimes life gets rough. It doesn’t always go the way you thought it would. However, this doesn’t mean that you should give up. Learn from mistakes and problems, and then, move on.
Continuing to move forward, even just a single step at a time will help you win in the end. Remember, the battle is going to be won far before you get to the end. Life requires many small actions, decisions and steps, and those little things build on each other, helping you finally reach the final victory.
⑥ Avoiding Growth and Change
Do you want to know your past? Look at your present condition. Do you want to know your future? Look at your present actions. To leave room for the new, you must let go of the old. Start realizing that change and growth are necessary for you to move forward. Once you realize this, you’ll be better positioned to succeed.
⑦ Settling for Anything Less Than What You Deserve
Sometimes you need to let go of things, and that takes strength. It’s much better and wiser to wait for the things you deserve. In some cases, you end up getting knocked down before you get to stand taller than ever. Sometimes tears have to wash your eyes, so you’re able to see all the possibilities with clear vision. Never settle – you deserve better.
⑧ Micromanaging Everything
Don’t strangle your life. You need to sit back, relax and allow life to happen with micromanaging everything or worrying about it all. Don’t squeeze too tight – instead, let go a bit.
Breathe deeply. Once the dust settles and you can see the way forward, and then start moving forward. Even if you don’t understand life, your life is in perfect order. Sometimes it takes a bit of time for you to connect the dots.
⑨ Being Wishy-Washy and Lazy
Remember, life owes no one. However, you owe something to the world. Start doing things instead of just daydreaming about them. Instead of having a wishbone, have a backbone.
Start taking responsibility and get back in control of your life. You’re needed. You’re important. You can’t wait for someone else to do something someday. The world needs you to do something today.
⑩ Continuing to Wait for Tomorrow
Most people think that they have plenty of time, so they put things off to tomorrow. However, someday you won’t have any time left to do all those things you wanted to do. At some point, you’ll have achieved all the goals and dreams you have, or you’ll be left with only some excuses.
very inspiring article. thanks @calleigh 🙂
Thank you, we so need these reminders….words of wisdom…..inspiring!!
Love No. 8.
Thank you, we so need these reminders….words of wisdom…..inspiring!!