An Exercise to Avoid Regrets As You Age
- Dr. CK Bray
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Imagine having the opportunity to learn from the profound insights of those who have faced the end of their lives. Bronnie Ware, an Australian nurse who spent years caring for patients in their final days, documented the most common regrets expressed by those in their final days. These reflections offer a unique perspective on what truly matters in life and how we can make meaningful changes before it's too late.
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying
Based on Ware's experiences, the five most common regrets are:
I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
I wish I hadn't worked so hard.
I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
I wish that I had let myself be happier.
These regrets highlight the importance of authenticity, balance, emotional expression, connection, and the pursuit of happiness in our lives.
The Neuroscience of Regret
Regret is not just an emotional experience; it's deeply rooted in the functioning of our brain. Studies have shown that feelings of regret activate specific areas of the brain, including the medial orbitofrontal cortex, which is associated with evaluating outcomes and making decisions. This neural activity underscores how our brains process past choices and their consequences, influencing our future decisions and behaviors.
The Regret Reflection Exercise
To proactively address potential regrets, consider engaging in the following exercise:
Reflect: Find a quiet space and ask yourself, "If I were to look back on my life, what would I regret not doing?"
Identify: List up to five potential regrets.
Act: For each regret, determine one actionable step you can take now to prevent it from becoming a reality.
By confronting these potential regrets directly, you can make informed choices that align with your values and aspirations, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.
Why not take 10 minutes to ask yourself the deeper questions?
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Header image by Freepik
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