“Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just part of life. What does the world want of me? Does it want me to take no risks, to go back to where I came from because I didn’t have the courage to say “yes” to life?” ― Paulo Coelho

Life is an endless array of options and opportunities. We make decisions regularly, such as where we live, what career you have, the fact that you’re reading this blog post, they are all choices/decisions that led you to this moment. Some decisions are more trivial, but other decisions can entirely change the course of your life. Yes, sometimes it’s hard to trust that you’ve made the right choice. However, there are some decisions you surely won’t regret making.

Continuing the Pursuit of Knowledge

Education isn’t just about a degree or certificate you can hang up on your wall. Chances are, you are not even in the career you studied for. Nevertheless, it’s vital that you make learning a priority throughout your life. You should constantly challenge yourself to explore, learn, unlearn, and relearn. Whether that’s a handy skill, learning to play an instrument, speaking another language, or taking on a new opportunity.

Pursue Sobriety

It’s a good idea to think about getting sober if you have a problem with alcohol. Cutting out alcohol has many benefits, from better sleep, more energy to improved eating habits. Yes, things won’t be the same as they were, but with dedication and a sound support system in place, you’ll begin to appreciate and enjoy life more openly and authentically.

Thinking Before Acting

We have all made hasty decisions in the heat of the moment. There is no shame in admitting that, but you can significantly reduce the number of times you feel regret if you stop and think. Stopping can prevent you from saying something incredibly hurtful or something you don’t mean. It can also prevent you from passing up a great opportunity or even plunging into a not-so-great one. Whatever the case, you’ll never regret taking a few moments to weigh what you want to do versus what’s best to do in a situation.

Standing Your Ground

Do you have a hard time saying no to people? Do you feel like you’re too easy to take advantage of? How many people owe you money right now? Standing up for yourself shows self-respect, and it signals to other people that you’ll not be messed with. So put an end to people manipulating you or guilt-tripping you by saying no more often.

Putting Yourself First

Putting yourself first is not selfish. Selfishness means being excessively preoccupied with yourself for your benefit without consideration for the well-being or interests of others. Putting yourself first means that you love yourself enough to make your needs a priority. Constantly prioritizing the happiness of others only builds resentment. It takes away from your ability to care for yourself. So take a step back and begin making changes that will result in your happiness.

Saying I love you, and I’m Sorry

Life is too short to let things go unsaid, and this is one of those things that you may very well regret if you don’t. So show some affection when you can and be humble and remorseful when necessary. This way, you don’t have to carry a load of unnecessary guilt for the rest of your life.

Choosing to Be Kind

This doesn’t mean you have to volunteer at food banks or read to children at the hospital. It could be small acts of kindness like holding a door open or helping the elderly with their groceries. Being kind to people makes us happy and boosts our self-esteem. It also encourages others to be kind. It’s a positive cycle of giving, and it starts with you.

Maintaining a Work-Life Balance

Making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year is worthless and has zero value if you don’t have the time to enjoy your earnings. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and spend all your money on new cars or other luxurious items, but you should take the time to relax, rejuvenate while carving out some self-care time. The physical, emotional and mental benefits of maintaining a healthy work-life balance are plentiful. From giving you time to enjoy friends and family, to keeping you fit, to travelling, and trying new things.

Purging Toxic People

Trust me — you won’t miss these people, whether it’s your childhood friend, someone from a past relationship, or your father/mother. If they are verbally abusive, manipulative or always making you feel inferior or unworthy, they have to go. They’re only holding you back from achieving everything you ever could want or become.

Living in The Moment

It sounds cliché, but the past only holds you back. If you genuinely want to enjoy life, leave the past in the past, learn the lesson, and move on. Today has endless possibilities, so why let today, now, pass you by. Don’t waste your time and energy wallowing in regret — instead, make decisions that will better your life and keep you grounded. You won’t regret it!

What are your thoughts? Do you have anything you would add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

—Brian Nadon

Never stop believing, learning, asking the question why, and being unique.