The Funny Thing About Regrets

Disappointments, apologies, and yes regret, whether because of something you’ve done, or in this case, haven’t done, all come down eventually to what you make of them.

It’s Friday night, and you’re ready to sit down with beer and a box of pizza, and then maybe ice cream. You deserve it after the week you’ve had is a great excuse (and isn’t that what it so often is?). It’s Saturday,  and you want to sleep in. Your legs are already sore. It’s Sunday.  It’s your day to be lazy. You have a busy week ahead. It’s Monday, and you don’t feel like getting up half an hour early for a quick run, jog or walk. It’s too cold, it’s too hot. You’ve had no trouble coming up with close to a zillion reasons why you spent the weekend the way you did. And now, you might be thinking something along the lines of, “I should have done something.” 

And, what if you had? Chances are good you wouldn’t be regretting those things you didn’t do. Have you ever regretted doing something for your health? Even when you didn’t want to do it, have you ever regretted that walk, or bike ride?  Have you regretted the feeling that you persevered, that you stuck with it because it was the right thing to do? Have you regretted the feeling that you actually felt good about, as Nike says, just doing it?

Think about it this way. Increasing your health and well-being doesn’t have to mean “giving it all up.” It probably does  mean making changes in certain lifestyle behavior choices. It doesn’t have to be about high-energy, sweaty sessions at the gym, unless you want it to be—but it can be as simple as getting up and going for a walk. Dancing to music while you clean the house. Trying a few simple, healthy recipes. Setting a good example for your kids.

The idea is to avoid those “I should have” regrets. Start moving a little more, start eating a little less.  You won't regret it.