The five regrets of the dying…
Bronnie Ware, an Australian palliative care nurse, wrote about the five top regrets of the dying that she had heard most often in her work. These were –
- I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, rather than the one other’s expected of me
- I wish I didn’t work so hard
- I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings
- I wish I’d stayed in touch with friends
- I wish I’d let myself be happier
Interestingly, regret, while still alive, can motivate you to make small changes on a daily basis which can be very helpful to you long term. Most of us live our lives juggling a multitude of tasks which have no connection to what really matters. We dissipate away our power in a multitude of small meaningless ways every day. A review each day will show little or no meaningful return for what we’ve done that day.
Take back ownership of your life…
Backing yourself, showing personal leadership and taking back ownership for your life in a few small ways can help. While working with clients the following steps have proven really effective to address their regrets –
Five ways to prevent regret…
- Plan and live a life that is truer to you. Connect with what is really important to you every day. Leave your comfort zone by one step every day and grow.
- Reflect on the value and purpose of the work you do, rather than blindly working endless hours because you believe this makes you worthy.
- Learn to express your emotions in situations which are likely to bring you closer to what, and who, you want to be in life.
- Stay connected with your friends. This means talking not texting. It means sharing time together and listening. Real active listening.
- Find that “selfish hour” hour every day and invest some time in your health, your development and your own mental health.
Life is no rehearsal…
While 2021 nears its conclusion, take ten minutes to reflect on what really matters to you. Start planning to address any regrets that have held you back and map out the steps you’ll take to address these regrets starting today.
Life is no rehearsal, have no regrets.
