I confess ... the older I get, the more cynical I become. Maybe it’s because I truly care about how our elected officials run the government or because I actively participate in the economy. Graduating from college ten years ago, my friends and I had a carefree, “No Regrets” approach to life. Nothing that happened really seemed to affect us, so we weren’t too concerned with what was going on in the “grown-up world.”
Back then, I was just an observer on the sidelines and was almost entirely aloof to the realities that come with real-world responsibilities. Life was pretty easy and I figured I could handle any of the challenges that came my way. Then a handful of loans and a lot of bills later ... and I was right in the middle of all the action!
As I look back on the first ten years of being a business owner in the dairy industry, I can honestly say I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Times were tough back when I got started and it seems that they’re even more challenging today.
As an old college professor once told me, “Life’s a journey, enjoy the vicissitudes.” And just for the record, I had no idea what that word meant either.
Nonetheless, Dr. Owens was right. These past ten years have presented numerous changes and a lot of ups and downs. I’ve come to notice that I learn most of life’s lessons the hard way. Fortunately though, most of these experiences have served as opportunities to learn, to improve and to grow.
But in spite of these valuable lessons, I still admit that I have a few regrets. Given the chance, there are definitely some things I’d like to do over. But since that’s not the way life works, I try not to waste my time or energy thinking about it for very long.
I’d imagine you’ve also made some mistakes and have said and done some things you might regret. That’s okay, such is life. In fact, that’s what happens when you’re busy living in the “middle of the action.”
Although it would be easier to go back to the carefree days of minimal contributions and “no regrets,” I’ve taken some chances that have worked out well and others that haven’t. I’m sure you can probably say the same.
So what about all those things you didn’t do? Do you regret any of those decisions? Since you didn’t take those paths, it’s probably foolish to wonder “What if?” and “Where would I be now?”
But, do you? Sure, it’s easy to say “I should’ve ...” about the things you did poorly. But how many times are you willing to sit on the sidelines of life and do nothing, then regret it later and say “I could’ve ...”?
Playing it safe might protect you from losing; but in the end, it will probably also prevent you from winning. PD
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Tom Wall
- Consultant
- Language Links, LLC
- Email Tom Wall
