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Imagine it’s a decade from now. You’re scrolling through old photos, remembering your 20s and 30s, reflecting on all that’s happened. How does that future version of you feel? Are they proud of the life they’ve built, or are they haunted by regrets of what could have been? Today, we’re diving deep into how to prevent the latter.

Regret: The Silent Thief of Potential

Research shows that 91% of people have at least one significant regret in their lives. Regret can weigh us down, not just emotionally but also in our personal and professional growth. Yet, regret isn’t always about the big things. It’s often the accumulation of small, daily choices—what we didn’t say, the risks we didn’t take, or the ideas we didn’t pursue.

So, how do we know now what will matter to us in 10 years? And more importantly, how do we make sure that our future selves will look back with a sense of pride rather than a twinge of regret?

1. Reflect on What Really Matters

If you want to dodge future regret, it starts with clarity. Ask yourself: What truly matters to me? A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people are more likely to regret things they didn’t do rather than those they did. It’s not about a bucket list of skydives and world travels (though, if that’s your thing, go for it!). It’s about deeper values like relationships, personal growth, and meaningful work.

• Action Step: Grab a journal and write down the top five things that matter most to you. Then, reflect on whether your current daily actions align with these priorities. If not, what small shifts can you start making today?

2. Audit Your Habits: Your Daily Actions Define Your Future

We often think of regrets as being tied to major life choices—career changes, moving cities, or ending relationships. However, the British Journal of General Practice suggests that the roots of regret often lie in our habits. What you do today, consistently over time, shapes where you end up a decade from now.

• Action Step: Start with a habit audit. Are your daily routines moving you closer to your goals or further away? Tools like James Clear’s Atomic Habits offer actionable strategies for stacking good habits and breaking bad ones. Imagine compounding 1% better each day over ten years—that’s the power of habits!

3. Embrace the Growth Mindset: Failure Isn’t the Enemy

We’ve all been there—afraid to start something new because, well, what if we fail? Yet, studies from Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck reveal that adopting a growth mindset—believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed—leads to greater success and less regret. Failure is only truly a setback if we don’t learn from it.

• Action Step: Reframe failure as feedback. Make a list of three things you’ve been afraid to try. Now, for each, jot down the worst possible outcome. Then, write down the potential growth or learning you’d gain from each attempt. What seems scarier: failing or the regret of never knowing?

4. Design Systems, Not Just Goals

By now, you’ve probably set goals for your career, health, and relationships. But here’s the catch—goals without systems are like ships without rudders. They may look good on paper, but they won’t get you where you want to go. Think about what systems or routines could support those goals. If your goal is to be financially free, your system might involve automated savings, consistent investing, or continuous learning about personal finance.

• Action Step: Use tools like Notion to create visual systems and routines that align with your goals. Review them monthly to keep yourself on track.

5. The Power of “Hell Yeah” or No

Ever feel stretched too thin, saying yes to things that don’t light you up? This is a fast track to regret. Entrepreneur and author Derek Sivers popularized the “Hell Yeah or No” principle—only committing to things that truly excite you. When you’re intentional about what you say yes to, you create space for what truly matters.

• Action Step: The next time you’re faced with a decision, pause and ask, “Is this a Hell Yeah?” If not, give yourself permission to say no. Remember, your future self will thank you.

Resources to Help You Get Started:

• Books: Atomic Habits by James Clear, Mindset by Carol Dweck, The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink.
• Apps: Notion and Trello for systems planning, Calm or Headspace for mindfulness and reflection.
• Podcasts: The Tim Ferriss Show, The Mindset Mentor, and The School of Greatness.

Engineer a Future Without Regret

By reflecting on what matters, auditing your habits, embracing growth, designing systems, and committing to what truly excites you, you’re well on your way to a decade filled with pride, not regret. The key is in the small daily choices that compound over time.

So, here’s to engineering a life that your future self will be proud to live—one decision at a time.

Whenever you are ready, there are 2 ways I can help:

👉Follow me on LinkedIn: Join 45,000+ other leaders to learn the specific strategies to engineer your ideal life through mindset, habits, and systems. Click HERE to follow me.

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