I can’t pinpoint when it started, maybe late twenties, early thirties? but recently time feels like it is running away from me. I mean, one minute you are delaying any number of things because there “is plenty of time,” and the next thing you know, five years have gone by and you can’t quite figure out what happened. When you are younger, you just assume that there is this vast, wide-open stretch of life that you can fill in later. And then there is no more “later” and “you” are back looking at something that has gone past you instead of looking ahead.
I’m not suggesting that you should panic, or live some sort of life that is perfect. But there are just a few things that, if you aren’t paying attention, can slowly sink into regrets throughout your life. The kind of regrets that don’t all come rushing in at once—just little tugs here and there over the course of time. Here are 15 of the most common regrets that other people have shared about looking back, and frankly, they are worth thinking about now, while you may still have an opportunity to change them.
1. Caring Too Much About What Other People Think
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
Feeling angry when someone hurts you is probably one of the most normal things you can feel—and I mean sit in that for a while. That stuff does stick around. But dragging that around for months (maybe years?) just poisons everything else. Not in a showy way. More quietly, without the drama. You shouldn’t have to pretend like the thing didn’t happen or that you’re ok with it! But, at some point, forgiving that person (or at least letting go a little) is really less about them, and more about not depleting so much energy out of fear of feeling that static all the time. It’s draining and I agree, it’s hard, but dragging that around forever? That is way harder.
5. Working Too Hard
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
Most of us (whether we want to admit it every day or not) have a lot to be thankful for. And not in some preachy, guilt-trip kind of way. It’s just… yes, we have things that others do not. It only makes sense to give something back, whenever and however you are able. And it doesn’t have to be enormous. Perhaps you care about your community, or animals, or access to food, or any number of things; whatever resonates. Just grab onto something that is actually important to you, not what you believe should be important, and contribute in whatever way you are able. It counts.
9. Not Wearing Sunscreen
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 strangely simple to kick back and imagine all the places you want to go—jotting down a bucket list in some notebook or saving random TikToks of beaches and cities—and then just…never make plans, never do anything. But if travel’s something you want, really want, you have to stop obsessing over the ideal time. There is no ideal time. The world is excitingly huge and hectic and stunning, and yes, life is short, but more importantly–it doesn’t wait for you to make sense of it all.
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
There is… so much literature. Like, actual piles of insightful, strange, impactful literature written by all sorts of people, some hundreds of years ago and some last week, and most of us are lucky if we just skim the surface. And yes, sometimes it is worth turning off whatever show you’ve been half-watching and grabbing a piece of writing that actually chooses you. It doesn’t have to be a classic or a whole piece of literature or anything super valuable. Just something that inspires you enough to keep turning the pages.
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 incredible to see the change in your life when you have self-confidence. The world is your oyster, and if you have confidence in yourself, you can achieve absolutely anything. I am unashamed to admit I was very… let’s say… not a very confident person from childhood on. I had horrible anxiety when asked to speak in front of the class. However, as an adult, and having seen life how it is, I know now how important self-confidence is.
