One of life’s most common worries is that we’ll regret the actions we take but there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure those mistakes are as minimal as possible.
*DISCLAIMER: These may not guarantee a life without regrets but, hey, it’s a step in the right direction.
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1) Know your worth
Whether asking your boss for a rise or entering into a relationship, always be honest about what you want and never underestimate your own innate amazingness. If someone chooses not to see it, walk away and don’t look back.
2) Always put your family first
They may drive you mad, steal your clothes and judge all of your decisions but, in most cases, nobody will ever have your back like your family. So next time you get annoyed at your mother for calling all the time or are grumbling about heading home for a visit, bite your lip and realise how lucky you are to have them.
3) Never coast in your career
When in a job that is comfortable and pays the bills, there is a major temptation to just keep turning up and going through the motions. However, this will just lead to dissatisfaction, boredom and resentment so if you feel like you could carry out your duties in your sleep, ask about taking on a new challenge or look at the other opportunities that are available.
4) Travel
Whether you were born with wanderlust or are a dedicated homebird, there is nothing to be lost by expanding your horizons and heading out into the big, bad work. From a few days in Spain to long-haul adventure, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will build your self-confidence and give me memories to smile at in your old age.
5) Love without fear
Cliché as it may be, some of the biggest regrets relate to choices made when it comes to love. There’s a lot at stake when your heart is in the equation but if you jump in with two feet, you’ll never have to ask ‘what if?’. (Obviously, this does not apply when it comes to losers and users.)
6) Be a bit bold
Being responsible is an important part of being an adult but once in a blue moon, it is totally acceptable to loosen the reins a little. So, go on, have that extra glass of wine, pint of ice cream or head to that party on a ‘school night’. You might suffer for a few hours in work or have to try a bit harder in the gym but you’ll REALLY enjoy it.
7) Let things go
Grudges are the most exhausting, draining and unproductive things you could possibly waste your time on. Forgive, forget, build a bridge and get on over it.
8) Leave work in the office
We all love to succeed in our careers but the most common regret among dying people is that they spent too much time working and not enough with their loved ones. As Jessie J so wisely said ‘it’s not about the money, money,money’, so when it comes to the weekend, put down the phone and go spend some quality time instead. Life’s too short.
9) Look on the bright side
In other words, take the good from the bad. We’ll all have our ups and downs but as long as you learn a lesson and don’t make the same mistake twice, sure what harm?
