"Regrets You Do Not Want To Wallow 10 Years From Today"
Post on: October 12, 2020
“If only” — these must be the two saddest words in the world. And as the saying goes, “Regrets about yesterday and worries about tomorrow are two thieves that rob us of the moment”. Let us live the moment — do meaningful things now so that we don’t fall into the “regrets” entrapment. I have listed 10 things which you do not want to regret not doing when you look back 10 years from today.
- Not taking action on meaningful goals
If you really want something, you will move heaven and earth to achieve the goal. In the early 90s, a close friend of mine very much wanted to pursue tertiary education in the UK. However, his family could only finance him for the first year of overseas education. He was so resolute that he followed his dreams. While in the UK, he did part-time jobs, cooked his own meals, walked to campus and graduated with an honours degree. Once you decide to take action on your goals, the means appear somehow. We may shrug it off as a mere coincidence but if you were to observe, it happens frequently.
- Not doing it now (Waiting for the perfect time)
“I will do it when the time is right”. Does this sound familiar? Now is the time — tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for all of us. We are all guilty of procrastination. To think too long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing. As the slogan goes, “Just Do It”. The “perfect time” is a myth and an excuse after all.
- Not taking Risk
I am not suggesting we should take risks impulsively. We can start by taking a positive, calculated risk. Greater risk can lead to a greater reward. However, most of us are hesitant to take the initial step. Someone once said that you have to leave the city of your comfort zone in search of the wilderness of your intuition. You can reach the destination through hard work and risk. The discovery is so immense that you will rediscover yourself.
4. Not taking that vacation
Go and see the world while you can — whether it’s the splendour of Europe, Incredible India or Beautiful Malaysia! We surely would have a list of our travel destinations. If finance is the problem, 10 years from now, you still won’t have the money and on top of it, lesser time and a bagful of excuses.
- Not saying sorry
You may feel aggrieved by injustice or hurt. But let not pride destroy a relationship. Say you’re sorry and be the bigger person. Likewise, accept the apology from the other party. Don’t let the grudge fester on for the next 10 years and punish yourself further. Be free from the bondage of unforgiveness.
- Not saving for retirement
I am sure my insurance agent friends will love me for stating this. However, you need not be pressured into buying a policy which is beyond you or something you abhor. Have a comprehensive financial planning done to determine your needs. The amount may be small but start saving from a young age. You will be grateful when it matures for retirement or when one receives the claims for critical illnesses when he needs it the most e.g. being the sole breadwinner and inflicted with a dreaded disease!
- Not taking care of your health
Health is wealth — it involves eating well, exercising and avoiding the undesirables. It can add years of your life and reduce the risk of certain illnesses like cancer, diabetes, obesity etc. We are all well aware of these and yet do nothing about it. We only realise our folly of neglecting our health when we fall sick prematurely due to our unhealthy lifestyle.
- Not persevering till we reach success
In an age of instant gratification, we all look for quick ways to success. But this is a far cry in the real world. We can have instant noodles for a quick meal but success isn’t instantaneous — it requires hard work and sheer grit. The great Napoleon Hill once said: “One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.” The buzzword is perseverance.
- Not learning life skills
Any skill that is necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life can be considered a life skill — learning to cook, drive, swim or computer literacy amongst others. It enables you to meet the challenges of everyday life. I know a person who took up swimming lessons at the age of 35 whereas most kids learn it at 3! Yes, he took it up because he almost drowned. He was rescued in the nick of time when he almost gave up on being alive. Well, I give him credit as it’s never too late to learn a life skill. However, learn it Now when you are still afloat!
- Not saying what you should have said
When was the last time you told your wife that you love her and would cherish her all your life? Or thank your parents for their unconditional love bestowed upon you? Or did you ever? It baffles me why people reserve the best things to say during their loved one’s eulogies and are reticent during their lifetime. Wouldn’t it have meant so much if it was said to them personally? Say it Now!
The Jolly Good Times hopes you’ve enjoyed the article and has reinforced your views on doing the right thing… one of my favourite Elvis Presley’s hits is “It’s Now or Never”. Share the read with your kakis (buddies) — invite them to Like us on Facebook and website.
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