Lesson Thirty-Three — No Regrets

Well, it is time to stop reading and start doing.That’s right.This is the last chapter.Congratulations!

I have saved this chapter for the last, because at the end of every life experience, career, and even at the end of our lives, it is only natural to look back and ask, “Do I have any regrets?”Wouldn’t it be nice to answer, “No regrets.”If I had to do it all again, I would do it exactly the same way.”

This book is about success and helping you succeed.I am not really sure what the definition of success is, however, if at the end of your life, you can look back and say that you have no regrets, that is success, for sure.

You are young.  I am old, probably in the last third of my life.  I often think about the past.  What I have done?  What I have not done?  What I have accomplished?  What I have not accomplished?  And, most important of all, what I have yet to accomplish?

For me, the topic of regrets does not come up very often, probably because there is not much that I regret.Sure, I have done some stupid things in my life.You will, too.Surprisingly, these are not the things that I regret the most.

The things that I regret the most are not the things that I have done, but the things that I have not done.Those are the ones that really hurt the most.

Let me give you a real life example.  When I was in high school, I was a very good athlete, well known and somewhat respected, I think.  I hung around with kids similar to me.  I guess you could say we were the popular kids.  You know the type.

There were also those that were at the complete opposite end of the social spectrum.Disadvantaged in many ways, these poor kids would come to school every day and get tortured by the rest of the kids.Other kids mocked them, pushed them around, embarrassed them, and anything else they could think of to put them down, making themselves feel important.Some of my friends were the worst offenders.It was really disgusting.

I never participated, but I also never did anything to stop it.  I could have.  I should have.  I was certainly in a position to help, and I did not.  Thirty-plus years later I still regret it, and there is nothing I can do about it.

There are many other examples.For instance, “I should have asked her out.””I should have gone on that trip.””I should have thanked them for all that they did for me.” “I should have taken that job.””I should have taken the chance.””I should have been a better friend, or son, or daughter.”Even at your young age I am sure you can think of many things that you did not do and now regret not doing.

Life is short.Make the most of it.Take some chances.If you want something, go for it.Work for it.Ask for it.Better yet, demand it.Don’t wait.Do it now.This could very well be your last chance.

NO REGRETS!