DavidWolfe.comHave you ever heard the question, “If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be?” Well, if your younger self is your current self, you might find this list helpful. Here are 10 actions you’re sure to regret in 10 years:
1. Trying to Be Something You’re Not
At one point or another, whether it’s in middle school, high school, college or in the workforce — we’re all faced with a decision to be our true selves and forge our own paths, or to change our personalities, attitudes, or even appearance in order to fit in. When you spend time trying to be the person others want you to be, it’s easy to lose yourself in the process. Always stay true to who you are, and don’t worry about what others think of you.
2. Letting Someone Else Influence Your Goals
Finding yourself is a big part of life’s journey. Discovering your likes and dislikes, your passions and goals — they are for you, and you only. Don’t let someone else interfere with your goals or dreams by trying to change them, telling you they aren’t good enough, or insisting that you won’t succeed. Can you regret dreaming too big? Who cares if someone else thinks you are aiming too high? It’s the only way to reach the stars.
3. Keeping Negative People in Your Life
The saying “you are the company you keep” has loads of truth to it. Being around negative energy will only bring you down. Who you choose to surround yourself with is completely up to you, so don’t think twice about cutting off communication with someone who has a negative influence on your life. Do what’s best for you. You won’t regret letting go of negativity.
4. Stepping On Others to Succeed
“People will not remember what you said, but they will remember how it made them feel.” Watch how you treat the people around you. Success is great, but stepping on others to get to the top is not the way you want to go about it. When you finally get there, instead of feeling like you worked hard and deserved it, you’ll think about all of the lives you affected on the way there.
5. Being Afraid of Change
Change can be scary. Most of us tend to become creatures of habit, so even thinking about things like changing jobs or moving can be stressful. But instead of shying away from change, look at it as a new opportunity for growth. If you are presented with a great opportunity, be brave and dive in headfirst. You never know what great things it could lead to.
6. Giving Up Too Easily
If you give up every time the going gets tough, you’ll never accomplish anything. Sometimes barriers are put in our paths to give us more motivation and to make us stronger. Keep working toward your goals, even when it gets a bit difficult. If you fail, at least you’ll know you gave it everything you had, and chances are, you’ll end up learning from your experience.
7. Not Accepting Help When You Need It
Take a step back from micromanaging. Sometimes you need to let others help you, even when you don’t want to. Learn to let go every once in a while, take a deep breath, and ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak or incapable — it makes you human.
8. Settling
Settling for less than you deserve can apply to almost any aspect of life. A job, a salary, a significant other… be patient enough to wait for what you deserve. Work hard and know your worth. If you deserve more, don’t be afraid to stand up and say so.
9. Worrying About the Future
With all of the uncertainties about the future, it’s hard not to think about it constantly. It’s great to be prepared for the future, to plan a little bit ahead or save money, but if you think about it obsessively, chances are that you’re missing out on the present. Enjoy life as it happens, and worry a little bit less about what tomorrow will bring.
10. Waiting for The Perfect Moment
Don’t wait for a special day to wear your favorite outfit, a certain holiday to visit your favorite restaurant, or the perfect moment to book a plane ticket and travel. If you’re waiting on something that may never come, you’ll miss out on loads of opportunities. Today is special, so treat it that way.
But why stop here? Throughout your life, avoid things you may regret, and enjoy a long and fulfilling life.
h/t: brightside