15 Common Regrets People Have As They Get Older

source: Uplift Connect / Tom Hussey

It feels like each year I grow older, life seems to go by more quickly. It’s easy to think you have your whole life ahead of you when you’re younger, and it’s even easier to put off doing the things you want to do in the future. Here are 15 common regrets you may have when you’re older unless you make some changes and start living.

1. Caring Too Much About What Other People Think

source: Life Hacks / Unsplash

You want to be conscientious of other people’s feelings, of course. But you can’t live your life fretting about what other people think of you. Be yourself, and don’t let other people’s opinions govern your life.

2. Stressing About The Future

It’s easy to stress about the future and get wrapped up in what ifs. But if you’re constantly thinking about the future, you’ll forget to live in the moment.

3. Holding On To Toxic Relationships

Whether it’s a romantic relationship or a friendship, being in a toxic relationship is never going to be beneficial for you. If a relationship isn’t bringing you joy or fulfillment, it’s time to let go of it.

4. Holding On To Grudges

Being angry and resentful at someone who’s wronged you is normal. But holding a grudge for an extended period of time will never serve you. Learn to forgive; exerting all of that negative energy isn’t healthy.

5. Working Too Hard

source: Huffington Post

Hard work is an important part of life. But if you work yourself into the ground and dedicate your entire life to your career, you’ll miss out on the much more important things in life.

6. Stressing About Money

It’s all too easy to fret about your financial situation and feel afraid to spend money. But you know what they say — you can’t take it with you! Don’t be afraid to treat yourself on experiences and things that are important to you.

7. Distancing Yourself From Good Friends

Life is busy, and it’s easy to lose touch with friends as a result. But you should never let too much time go by without spending time with good, caring friends who bring value to your life.

8. Not Giving Back

We have many fortunate aspects about our lives, and so it’s important to give back to those who are less fortunate. Find a cause you’re passionate about, whether it’s being involved in community events or volunteering at the local animal shelter.

9. Not Wearing Sunscreen

source: Fighting Fifty / Getty Images

This may sound trivial, but you will regret not protecting your skin. Not wearing sunscreen not only leaves you at risk of getting skin cancer, but you’ll also be more prone to wrinkles and sun spots.

10. Not Travelling

It’s so easy to make a bucket list of all the places you want to travel to, then never make steps towards getting there. If you want to travel, do it! Life is too short, and the world is such a big, beautiful place.

11. Making Excuses

When life doesn’t go the way we want it to, it’s easy to put the blame on others and make excuses. But you need to take responsibility when it’s due, and learn to let go of the things you cannot control.

12. Being Fearful Of Change

Change can be intimidating, but the majority of change is good. Remember, moving outside of your comfort zone can bring about many positive opportunities for growth.

13. Putting Off Reading Good Books

source: Tempur / iStock

There are so many amazing books in existence. Sometimes, it’s important to put down the TV remote and curl up with a book that appeals to you.

14. Avoiding A Healthy Lifestyle

Our bodies carry us through life, and we need to take care of them. It’s so important to eat foods that are good for us and exercise on a regular basis. Our physical and mental states are linked — remember that!

15. Not Being Confident In Yourself

It’s amazing to see how life changes when you have confidence in yourself. The world is your oyster, and if you believe in yourself, you can do absolutely anything.