Here are the Top 37 Things You’ll Regret When You’re Old

Hindsight is 20/20, as they say, and oftentimes it can lead to regret.

Some people have the philosophy that everything happens for a reason, and there is no point in having regrets.

But for so many of us, looking back on our lives can lead us to linger on one poignant moment or period when we wish we had done things differently, and that nagging question, “What if …?,” plays on repeat in our heads.

Here are 37 of the most common regrets we’re likely to have.

1) Staying in a Relationship You Shouldn’t Be In.

Don’t waste time staying in a relationship with the wrong person.  Allow yourself to get out a bad relationship and move on.

2) Not Using Sunscreen.

Skin cancer is no joke and no one likes wrinkles!  Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to put on sunscreen before going out in the sun.

3) Not Seeing Your Favorite Bands Live.

Stop telling yourself you’ll see them next time.  One day there won’t be a next time and you’ll regret missing your chance so many times!

4) Not Traveling.

The world is a big place and there’s so much to see!  So don’t be afraid to get out there and see al it has to offer.

5) Not Ending a Toxic Friendship.

Friends are supposed to lift you up, not bring you down.  Don’t get stuck in a bad friendship after it’s run its course.

6) Giving Up Too Easily.

Sometimes the going gets tough, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on what you want.  Keep pushing through and you never know, the rewards could be even greater than you expected!

7) Worrying About Everything.

Worrying never fixes anything.  Try and accept things as they are and don’t stress yourself out unnecessarily.

8) Missing Out on Quality Time with Friends and Family.

You never know what could happen in life.  Hug your loved ones and spend time with them while you still can.  You won’t regret it!

9) Not Networking or Making Contacts.

You never know what could happen when you meet the right person.  Get out there and make friends with the right people and you could end up benefiting greatly!

10) Not Risking it All.

Don’t miss out on a great opportunity because you’re afraid of what might happen.

11) Overworking Yourself.

Are you really going to lie on your deathbed and wish you had worked more at that job you hate?  Probably not, right?

12) Forgetting to Stand Up For Yourself Too.

Don’t be a pushover.  Sometimes you should defend yourself and what you believe in!

13) Not Mastering Your Favorite Meal.

 Learning at least one great meal in your life will make you the start chef among your friends and family!

14) Not Listening to Your Grandparents’ Stories.

Our grandparents have so much information to share and knowledge to pass on.  Listen to them and you never know what you might learn!

15) Not Brushing Your Teeth.

Your teeth are so important and remember how miserable you are when you have a toothache?  Brush and floss and avoid that pain all together.

16) Holding Grudges Against Loved Ones (And in General).

Being angry only hurts you.  Don’t spend too much time being angry at someone for something that may have happened days, months, or even years ago.  It doesn’t do anyone good!

17) Getting Stuck in the Past.

The present is far more important.  Try to let go of the past and what was.  Only focus on what’s to come and what will be!

18) Forgetting to Support Yourself.

Your dreams and desires are important.  Don’t be afraid to go after what you want for once.

19) Listening Too Much to Other’s Opinions.

The only opinion that matters is yours when it comes to your life and choices.

20) Ignoring your Parents’ Advice.

They really do know better.

21) Forgetting to Say “I Love You”.

It’s way too important to not let others know they’re important to you!

22) Not Appreciating Your Beauty.

You’re beautiful inside and out.  We spend too much time worrying about how we look instead of appreciating all the things that make us unique.  

23) Being Lazy in School.

Your education is too important to blow off.  Pay attention and hey, maybe you’ll actually learn something!

24) Staying in a Dead-End Job.

Seriously, it’s just a waste of your time and sanity.

25) Listening to Gender Roles.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman.  You can do whatever you put your mind to!

26) Not Taking Care of Your Health.

Your body takes care of you as best it can, so why not return the favor?

27) Being Too Afraid of Everything.

The world is scary, we know.  But don’t let that keep you from getting what you want.

28) Not Taking Time to Learn a New Language.

Yeah, it’s hard.  But worth it!

29) Only Thinking About Yourself in Your Younger Days.

You really aren’t the center of the universe, you know.

30) Wasting Time.

Time is short and way too precious to just let waste away.  

31) Forgetting to Volunteer Once in a While.

Volunteering is a great way to give back.  Help make the better place and help someone out who needs it!

32) Not Living in the Moment.

There’s no time like the present!

33) Becoming a Master of a Party Trick.

Because wouldn’t it be nice to be the life of the party once in awhile?  Whip out a cool party trick and everyone will remember who you are!

34) Letting Your Culture Define You.

It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your background is.  You’re entitled to do what you want and be whoever it is you want to be!

35) Being a Drama Queen.

Because drama is a huge waste of your time.

36) Facing Your Fears of Public Performance.

It’s super scary, I know.  No one really likes public speaking.  But why not take the risk and show the world what you can do?

37) Not Being More Appreciative Sooner.

At the time, it can be easy to miss all the good things in your life.  Take a moment and appreciate all you have and keep that feeling going!

Originally published on The Power of Ideas.