Regret what (EN)

Why didn't I try? Mieczysław was thinking lying motionlessly on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He had beautiful eyes, noble features. He retained his youthful appearance despite his 86 years of age. He was angry with himself for missing a chance. His eyes filled with tears.

That was one of the last moments that my grandfather talked frankly with me. Dementia later took over his mind, and although still alive, took him away from me.

Just like in the extraordinary book by Bronnie Ware The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, my grandpa wanted to let me know what made him proud, but also what he regretted most. He essentially had no regrets about the things he did, but for what he didn't do. That he didn't manage to carry out even one of his dreams - education, horseback riding, writing. That he fell into habits that hampered him and he was either too afraid or too indolent to free himself from them. My grandfather was a full-fledged extrovert. He was the life and soul of Warsaw. And yet he had pity.

Fear of change and the liberation from daily routine is not only the specialization of introverted characters. Everyone has habits that paralyze them. They stick in jobs that don't give them joy or meaning. Postpone important life decision, for example, to move or have kids. Or even try, but in such a way, so that it doesn't work out.

As Bronnie Ware writes, we need to look for happiness here and now, not when I get this or do that. Later is too late. In other words - Do something.


You can view Bronnie Ware's book on Amazon.com - click here

I recommend an interesting exercise by Marshall Goldsmith, one of the world's best leadership coaches, which helps answer the question of what is important in life. It’s a useful exercise for both professional and private life. It starts with the words: Imagine you are 95 years old ... - click here