Avoiding the 'What Ifs' in Our Lives

If you were to project forward 10, 20 or even 30 years from now, what are some of the things you will have wanted to achieve in your life??

Conversely, if you were to reflect back on your life in 10, 20, or 30 years, what might some of your regrets be? Certain areas of your life that, had you had a second chance, you might approach differently.?

Here's a short story to help you think more deeply about the points above.?

At 27 years old, Andrea Proske was a hotel manager in Canada. Although she had been physically active in her life, according to her, she had never pursued anything of deep meaning or significance. Self-admittedly, she had never really pushed herself in any way.?

Feeling bored with life, she knew she needed something different, so she took the chance to join her first Spartan race. It was this event that would ultimately change the course of her life by inspiring her to think more deeply about what was possible. After this race, she thought to herself, what's next??

Within a few months, she gave rowing at try and surprisingly fell in love with it even though she had no experience at all with the sport. She realized, "I'm pretty good at this" and began dreaming of taking it further.?

Because of her natural abilities and dedication, she was offered a training spot at a local club. The catch was though that she needed to train full time. In looking back at that moment, she clearly remembers telling her parents that rowing was something she really wanted to pursue, but was afraid to quit her job and give up the stability of a regular income. ?

This was when her father told her to think about the 'what ifs' at the end of her life.

What if she never tried? If she didn't try, would there one day be regrets would she have??

Andrea decided, then and there, to devote her life to rowing and, as the saying goes, the rest was history.?

Amazingly, just 3 years later at the age of 30, she made the Canadian women's national rowing team. And 5 years after that, at the age of 35, she represented her country by going on to win gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.?An astounding accomplishment for anyone, yet alone someone who had only taken up rowing at 27 years old.

Andrea Proske is now a motivational speaker who brings a very important message to audiences across Canada and the world. Her message isn't about being the best or winning gold medals. It's about taking the chances and risks needed to pursue the things that matter most in our life. To never underestimate our own potential to create lasting, positive change by tapping into what is actually possible in our lives.

Her message reminds us all about the importance of looking back on our lives one day and not be haunted by any 'what ifs’ or ‘I wish I would haves’.

What if I had actually ran that marathon instead of quitting my training because it was too hard?

What if I had actually switched careers when I had the chance? What would have become of my life??

What if I had actually tried to rebuild the relationship I have with my sibling (or parent or child)? How would this have changed my life and theirs??

What if I had actually shared the things that matter most to me with important people in my life??

What if I hadn’t worried so much about other people’s opinions and had taken more action in my life to speak my truth??

What if I had lived the life I truly wanted to??

What if, what if…..what if…….

The ‘what ifs’ could go on and on, but the point is clear. We always have the chance to avoid 'what ifs' in our life by taking action in the present, when it matters most.?But, it takes courage, vulnerability and an unwavering commitment to pursue excellence in our lives.

As you think about Andrea's story, what comes up for you?

What are some potential 'what if' areas of your life??

What action can you take now to create more positive change in your life??

How will taking action, in the present moment, make you proud or yourself years from now when you look back at your life one day??

I hope this article helps you think more deeply about what may be possible in your life. ?

If interested in hearing more of Andrea Proske's amazing story, check out the podcast we recorded. Her story is sure to inspire you to think differently about the 'what ifs' in your life.?

Thanks for reading.