Sign #8: You’re afraid of having regrets.
The fear of having regrets is a powerful motivator for change. This happens to all of us from time to time and can stem from a deep desire to live a life with purpose, fulfillment, and meaning.
I don’t think anyone wants to live with the weight of unfulfilled dreams or missed opportunities.
The realization that time is limited and that life is too precious to be filled with regret can prompt you to reevaluate your choices and take courageous steps towards a more fulfilling future.
So what do we do about it if we’re afraid of having regrets?
First, I’d suggest making a list of ‘Nice to Have, Do, Be or Experience’. You can segment it into life categories (for example, career, relationships, travel, learning, personal development, leaving a legacy, passions, etc.) if that helps.
Once you have your list complete, go over it again and circle or highlight your ‘NON-NEGOTIABLES’.
These are the things that are absolutely essential, crucial and critical to you when you think about living your life to the fullest…the things that mean the most, that make your heart sing…the things that you DO NOT want to miss out on.
Think about any dreams or goals that you’ve put on hold for whatever reason (fear, doubt, external pressures). Where do they fit in… on your Nice To Have, Do, Be or Experience list…or on your NON-NEGOTIABLE List?
In an ideal situation, you’d have the time, money and freedom to accomplish everything on your NON NEGOTIABLE List (and on your Nice To… List). But unfortunately reality comes crashing in and you might not be able to accomplish everything you want to.
Go back over your NON-NEGOTIABLE List and prioritize the things you’ve highlighted. Which is most important…which needs to happen first?
Regret often comes from inaction or not fully embracing opportunities when they present themselves. Often we think…’oh I’ll do that later, tomorrow, next year…’ and then time passes and we never get to it.
Use this as a driving force to step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks. Embrace the mindset that it’s better to try and possibly fail than to live with the regret of never trying at all. (Remember my motto: You’ll either succeed beyond your wildest dreams…or you’ll have one hell of a story to tell 
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Either way…it’s all good.
It might help for you to think about and come up with your own definition of what success means to you. You might find that what the definition has changed for you as you gain more life experience.
Share your list with your people…the ones who matter most. Ask them to create their own NON-NEGOTIABLE List. Compare them to see if you have things in common.
This is especially important for Couples to make sure that both people are living the life they dream of. Some things you might be able to do together…other things might require that you do them alone. But at the end of the day, if both people in the couple are aware of what’s important to them and to each other, they can support and encourage one another.
And then it’s all about taking action, Baby!
Keep your NON-NEGOTIABLE List where you can see it often. Use it as inspiration and motivation.
Choose one thing…figure out what you need to make it happen…and then, do it. Imagine how incredible you’ll feel!
The fear of having regrets can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. If you embrace it as such, it can be a reminder to live authentically, pursue your passions, and make choices and take actions that help you to realize your dreams.
Have fun!
Cheers,
Penney