Regret Less, Live More !!!

Just finished reading “The Top 5 Regrets of Dying” by Bronnie Ware. A nurse who has been working in a palliative care has summarized the top 5 regrets of patients during the final three to twelve weeks of their lives. Positively we could envision this as a behavioural change opportunity for both, employees and management in corporate scenario. 

Regret # 1 : I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 

How often have we said to ourselves, why do I do this? Why can't I tell my boss or my subordinate or my peer what I believe in, not to encourage rebelling or insubordination. An open environment where dissent in favour of adopting culture of innovation & regular feedbacks helps in employees & corporates coexist with a sense of purpose.

Regret #2: I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

That’s a massive turnaround. We are so engrossed in our day to day work, Only when it’s too late do we realize that life passed by when we were busy working. Regular outbounds, Hobby clubs, CSR activities, appreciation hours can be done by corporates while an individual can pick a passion or hobby, take a vacation, host some friends, TAKE THAT BREAK. Working late is no longer in vogue & work life balance becomes start of a healthy living.

Regret #3 : I wish I had the courage to express myself

This might seem very similar to regret #1, but this is about standing up for what we believe in and letting others know why. To do something isn’t in sync with our core values is sure to drag down the performances of the best talent. Regular feedback sessions & acting positively on the received feedback will benefit both employee and corporate. Talent does have a knack to express itself quite openly, but how well it is accepted will be a reflection of the values of any organization.

Regret #4 : I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Once we enter corporate careers, our colleagues become our friends. As houses or schools or jobs change, so do our friends. Yet, we all have those special few who traverse the journey of life with us across stages. Think back as to when we last saw them or had a drink over memories with them. Corporate initiatives like ‘Bring a friend to work’ day, go a long way in reinforcing relationships as well as building a strong organizational culture.

Regret #5 : I wish I had let myself be happier

The ‘Pursuit of Happyness’. Happiness is too variable a term to define what makes one happy. And, management gurus tell us that a happy employee is highly productive & Creative. Yet, the 5th regret is because people felt they didn’t lead happy enough lives. Corporates introducing ‘What makes me happy’ sessions, Thank you day, Family day, pet day, alumni day, Strong regular recognition programmes which encourage employees to explore their desires, pursue them, and live wholesome lives full of ‘Happyness”! 

Finally,

Dare all your dreams, Always believe in yourself

Uncover hidden talents, Go on adventure

Have fun & treasure tiny miracles

Embrace kindness & reach for life 

Regret Less, Live More !!!