A life without regrets

A life lived without regrets, what this might mean or represent to you can be achieved by the simple act of taking some time out to sit, ponder and question what exactly this phrase means to each of us. We are all so often busy ploughing headlong into each day and our lives that we rarely come up for air to set specific goals, objectives and to plan.  The average person spends more time planning their annual holiday than they do setting goals for themselves.
 
What do you want to change?  What have you been putting off?  How would life be if you achieve this? What do you choose to do so that you live a life with no regrets?
 

I’ve asked myself this last question and I’ve also asked others.  It is one of the most powerful questions, as it has the reach and strength to stop anyone in their tracks, in order to really consider deeply what is important in their life. I believe it is the last part of the question relating to “living life with no regrets” that really causes a poignant or pivotal moment where the respondent will take stock and really consider deeply or start to imagine what this might feel like, living life either with or without regrets. It starts to take you on a journey or a way of thinking, about a life with infinite possibilities. The very thought or the idea of coming to the end of one’s days having regrets is a real catalyst, one which enables a change in focus, allows clarity of thought and enables us to consider deeply, what it is that we truly want out of life.
 
Ok now that I’ve shaken you up a bit and I have your attention:

1. What is it that you want?

Make a list of things that you have been saying or talking about since the year dot.  You know, the stuff dreams are made of.  I would really love to …….

2. Which of these has the highest priority for you?

We all have dreams and a long list of things that we would like or love to do.  Prioritising for yourself and your own circumstance will allow clarity and focus, so that any sense of overwhelm you might have been feeling or lack of action on your part, will dissipate and you will start to feel a sense of direction, determination and more than likely, you will start to think of how you can instead of why you can’t.

3. What is the first thing that you need to do?

This will allow you to think about the first step that you need to take in order to achieve your goal.  In Business and Coaching, we often talk about SMART goals and it is one of the very best acronyms that I can think of to use in order to plan and take action when considering any goal that I have.  The very first thing that I need to do when I ask myself this question is write the goal in SMART terms. 

Specific>Measurable>Action-oriented>Results-focused>Time based. 

When you set a SMART goal, you to begin to break down the steps required into smaller bite sized chunks and then any goals, even the huge ones will start to seem and feel more manageable.

4. Who can support you?

​I never underestimate the power of support.  I am blessed to have a remarkable tenacity to achieve anything that I put my mind to.  I had a boyfriend once who became frustrated by my independence and the fact that I seldom asked him for help or support.  Those days are long gone, I recognise that no man is an island (or woman for that matter) and that sharing and asking for support is more powerful than doing it all alone.  So who can you ask to support you to achieve your goal?
 
Goal setting and achieving a goal is an amazing process and the learning on the journey is one of the most affirming and fulfilling lessons in life. 
 
So off you go, get your pen and paper and start today.
 
For more support email [email protected] for guidance on how you can start to live and benefit from a life without regrets.
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