Are there any decisions you’ve made in the past that you now regret? What would you do differently if given a chance?
We all make decisions — weighing the pros and cons, sometimes we go with our gut feeling, and other times we choose what others think is best for us. No matter what the decision is, there’s always a chance of regret. Maybe we didn’t take that leap of faith when we should have. Maybe we made a rash decision without thinking it through. Or maybe things turned out not quite how we wanted them to. But even if our decision led to heartache or pain, that doesn’t mean it was the wrong choice — at least, not always.
Our choices affect our present state and who we become as individuals. Who are you? What shaped you into the person you are today? What do you want to be remembered for? Consider all of the things you’re not proud of that you did, as well as what you haven’t accomplished that you promised yourself as a child, a teenager, a college student, a young adult, and now that you’re older. Are you living the life you want on purpose? Or are you simply going with the flow? Making decisions is a necessary part of life. We all have to choose what we want to do, what we believe in, and where we want to go. Do you have the family that you thought you would have? The significant other and kids? House? Career? Are you financially where you want to be in life? Are you in the physical shape that you had hoped for? Are you mentally strong as well? Can you handle the stressors and things in life that come at you? Anxiety? Every choice you make shapes who you become and how you experience life. Over time, they form your character and create the life you live. Hence, as we get older, we get better at it. So think about the decisions you’re making today — are they leading you closer to or further away from your goals? Are they helping you become the person you want to be? Remember, it’s never too late to start making better choices that will lead to a more fulfilling life.
Life changes. Our perspective changes. People come and go in our life that we never thought would. It’s unfortunate, but it’s also a good thing. We are constantly changing. Who you once were, is no longer there; that person is gone. Your 19-year-old self is not the same as a 30-year-old self. You gain new thoughts, change your priorities, change your wants and needs because change is the only constant thing, so we should embrace it — after all, that’s how we grow as individuals.
Our decisions make us who we are. Every choice, big or small, affects our lives in some way and helps to define our character. Sometimes it’s hard to see the consequences of our choices until much later, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. But sometimes, we make the wrong decision. And that’s okay. We can’t control everything in our lives, and making a mistake is just part of the learning process. However, it’s important to learn from our mistakes, not to repeat them. That’s the best way to turn regret into something positive. So don’t be afraid to make decisions – just be prepared for when things don’t go as planned. You can’t limit yourself by your past. It does not dictate who you are. It’s just a lesson on the road to who you want to become. Just take the first step because you can make better decisions from here on out and become whoever you want to be.
So, what decision will you make today that you will be proud of someday?