Regrets Are Not Fearful. Indecision Is. Take Action Today!
We need to change the way we think to live a fruitful life.
I used to volunteer in Home For The Aged. I have to say that a majority of them do not have a happy life. Many conversation topics involve the word regret in various descriptions and scenarios.
There categorically are two types of regrets: -
- I regret doing this.
- I regret not doing this.
And each of these regrets represents a different level of human experience in this lifetime that I have to come to appreciate. I will start with I regret doing this.
Regret Type 1 — I Regret Doing This Or That.
Whenever I hear seniors saying I regret doing this, I know it is about making sub-optimal decisions.
When they say I regret doing this, it means that they are better off doing the alternative. Take, for instance, gambling.
I have seen many septuagenarians and octogenarians staring out of the window with a blank look on their faces. Many yearn for their relatives to come. They never did.
When I asked why the seniors are here in the first place, they said that their families abandoned them because of gambling habits. They made decisions in life that impacted them down the road, and they are suffering from the consequences of their past decision.
Regret Type 2 — I Regret NOT Doing This Or That.
If I have to choose which one is worse, I think this is it.
I keep hearing this over and over. I regret not marrying the person I love because my parents match-made them with someone they never knew. I regret not studying architecture because my parents needed me back to run the business.
It is a long list and is never exhaustive.
I can see how their indecision affects them because they never knew how the grass looks like on the other side.
And this is the impact of indecision.
On the contrary, they did not have the option to choose. Others made the decisions for them.
Regret Type 1 chose the Path of No Return. Regret Type 2 never reached the fork-road. Which one is worse?
How I Think About Regret And Indecision.
Making our own decisions is important because it represents control over our lives, no matter how sub-optimal they may be.
We only live once, and no one knows us better than we know ourselves. Our calling in life is unique to us. Ask every law practitioner why they are in this profession, and I bet that we will get a truckload of different answers.
Those who chose their path embraced the necessary struggle, not knowing what to expect. These folks marched to their drumbeat.
The alternative is to live our lives in regret of our indecision.
That is because the octogenarian who tried and failed has no regrets doing what they did. I cannot say the same for those who never did.
And why would we not pursue our calling?
Make The Decision And March Forward!
Aldric
Related Stories from the Author.
About the Author:
As a content contributor, I write my observations from daily life and my business exposure.
Because our life experience is the bedrock of our unique perspectives.
As a Consultant by training, I believe in making the complex simple.
Because simplicity adds value.
And with clarity — We grow.
Follow me for my stories on Medium!
This is more “About Me”.