Do you ever look back at certain moments in your life wondering what could have changed if you said or did something differently? Well, it is partially a worthless exercise because you cannot alter your past. 15, 10, or 5 years later – it doesn’t matter. However, you can use lessons learned to alter your future.
I have no regrets about things I have done or have not done so far in my life. Sure, I admit; I wonder if something would have turned out differently if I said or did XYZ. But that’s not the point of this exercise. The point of this exercise is to ask yourself what do I wish I would have learned 15 years ago? What would have helped me if I would have done something different?
This is completely in hindsight. Of course, you want to know something in advance that way you can apply it to the benefit of yourself, your loved ones, or your community, etc. Now at 34, I’m thinking about what I do today and how it will shape the future. Will you look back and say why didn’t I try that sooner?
From finance to fitness, to relationships & communication and many other areas, it’s important to be clear, concise and – where possible – objective. Here are some things on my mind over the last few months after taking an extended leave of absence from social media, being online and, to some extent, my inner social network.
1) Time is more valuable than money
We all have a finite amount of time we don’t know when time will run out. As a song I recently heard said:
“Life is like a ticking clock; you never know when it’s going to stop.”
This is not meant to be morbid; it’s not meant to be depressing. You just need to get a better appreciation for the time you do have – how do you spend it and make the most of it?
2) Friends and family come first
To some extent, I partially disagree with this; I do think one needs to put his or her self first. Not to be selfish, nor to be conceited, but to provide a base so you do not require the assistance of others.
Additionally, and far more importantly, to also be able to offer assistance to others when needed. Of course, your friends and family are meant to support each other; they should and you should as well. It’s finding that balance between them.
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3) Time is on your side when you’re younger
Being young gives you an opportunity to try things that you might not have been able to do later in life. Whether it be starting a business, traveling, or taking time off from work to rest or experiment, you have more energy and fewer responsibilities.
Granted, this is not the case for everyone but prior to getting married, having kids, and/or working a full-time job, you do have opportunities to play, learn, and experiment.
This is not to say that this cannot occur at a later stage in life. It’s just an opportunity to reflect and explore.
4) Exercise and fitness is the best opiate
I started drinking alcohol the summer before the first year of college. I was in one of my best friend’s basement and it was a lot of fun that summer; we had some ridiculous things going on. Overall, nothing too crazy or too stupid but things just got a little out of hand at times. Things got a little bit worse in college.
To balance it out, I started exercising. For me, one of the best stress relief methods and ways to relax is movement. Activity, staying in motion, and general exercise provide a great stimulant for me at the moment. I find myself really enjoying it.
I guess it can be stressful and a bit tiresome, but that’s how I’m trying to get better and to push myself.
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5) Take the time to make the time to have time to save time
A single hour is roughly 4 percent of your day. But many of us – myself include – have difficulty making time to get meaningful things done.
I wish I started Balanced Dividends sooner. I thought about doing it. Traveling also sounds like a great experience, but I haven’t made it a priority.
Whatever your passion is – experiences or things – take time to at least attempt to make it happen.
Looking Back – and More Importantly – Ahead
If you’re thinking about trying or doing something, do it. Don’t wait. Of course, make a plan with an overall timeline and objective in mind.
Life is too short. The longer you are unhappy, the less time you have to be happy.
Readers, do you have anything you’ve been waiting to try? What’s holding you back? Is there something you wish you knew sooner?
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A post like this helps remind us all what is truly important and meaningful in life. I have to add one other thing to number 4. Exercise and fitness… is also a health plan. I look at it as a reduction in medical expenses. Better health = less pain and expense. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Keith.
And good point on number 4! It really does balance out cost / expense – you can get a number of synergies here. – Mike
Really liked the article,. If I may add something my brother told me many, many years ago “Better to be a has been than a never was”. Aligns nicely with your post, better to try something and fail than to wonder for the rest of your life. As one of my all time fictional characters often says “Live long and prosper.”
Thank you!
And nice advice as well – on both counts.
Great post BD and excellent points. I agree with a lot that was said. We certainly can’t change the past and there’s no use crying over spilt milk. But, the more we learn from our mistakes, the easier life will become. Excellent post.
Thanks Glen – appreciate the input.
Couldn’t agree more on exercise being the best opiate
Yeah, that one helps a lot 🙂
I anticipate spending another hour early on the treadmill this coming Tuesday… I’ve found myself walking and then jogging / running after a long, long night on New Year’s Eve.
Thanks for your comment! – Mike
Hello BD,
Awesome list! Number 3 is my favorite one. As a single guy with no kids, I have a lot of time to experiment.
Thank you, Jerry – appreciate your kind words!
I’m also single with no kids, so I’ve found some additional time as of late to try a few different things.
It’s certainly a balancing act trying to not focus on too many things at once.
Thanks again for reading. – Mike