What If Your Future Self Whispered, "I Wish I Had Done It Differently"?

This might seem a little morbid, but stick with me.

Bronnie Ware’s reflections on the top five regrets of the dying are a powerful reminder of how fleeting life is and how much our choices shape our happiness.

Working in palliative care, Bronnie spent years listening to people reflect on their lives in their final days. She noticed the same regrets coming up again and again. When she shared them in an article, it resonated so deeply that millions of people read it within a year. It later became a bestselling book, touching lives across the world.

Her message is clear: it’s never too late to choose differently and create a life without regrets.

Now, imagine your future self looking back and whispering… "I wish I had done it differently."

The Five Regrets: And What They Teach Us About Life & Career

These regrets aren’t just reflections on the past. They’re wake-up calls for the present.

In my coaching conversations, I hear echoes of them all the time. People wondering if they’ve waited too long to make a change.

But what if you haven’t? What if this moment is your chance to rewrite your story?

1?? "I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."

It’s easy to stay in roles that feel safe but don’t truly reflect who we are. Living authentically isn’t selfish. It’s essential for real fulfilment. If your career isn’t aligned with your values, what small step could you take to change that?

2?? "I wish I hadn’t worked so hard."

In the pursuit of success, it’s easy to sacrifice what truly matters; health, family, joy. Career happiness isn’t about burning yourself out; it’s about balance and intentional choices. Are you working to live, or living to work?

3?? "I wish I had the courage to express my feelings."

So many people stay silent. Whether it’s asking for a promotion, setting boundaries, or admitting they’re unhappy in their role. Your voice matters. What’s one thing you need to say but have been holding back?

4?? "I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends."

Work often consumes our lives, but in the end, relationships sustain us. Prioritising connection isn’t just good for the soul, it’s essential for career success too. Who haven’t you reached out to in a while?

5?? "I wish I had let myself be happier."

Happiness isn’t a reward you earn someday after checking all the boxes. It’s something you can choose to cultivate now. If your career feels like a grind, what would it look like to redefine success on your own terms?

These regrets aren’t just words. They’re reminders of what truly matters. They challenge us to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves:

?? Am I living in alignment with what I really want?

Regret is only certain if we do nothing. But right now, you have a choice.

If your future self could speak to you today, what would they urge you to do differently?