Looking back, would you have done anything differently in your life? People over 80 share their regrets in life and how you can learn from those thoughts.
People have Lifetime Dreams- some come true, others remain dreams. These decisions and experiences are part of life – both the good ones and the ones you end up regretting. Read here what the older generation has learned about life.
Poll: What people regret in old age
The results are thought-provoking: a survey of people over the age of 80 revealed the top two regrets in their lives.
1. What should people think?
With a little life experience, it’s safe to say: it doesn’t matter what other people think of you. In life, you should care much less about what others think or what impression your actions make. Most of the time, those around you don’t care whether you are wearing a t-shirt or a sweater. People are often immersed in themselves and pay much less attention to others than many people realize. Worrying about what others think of you only creates unnecessary ballast. A survey showed that many people over 80 regret thinking about it.
2. What can happen?
Thoughtfulness is what respondents seem to regret. Worry and fear about events that have not yet happened seems to be very common. Many people are wracking their brains and worrying about outcomes whose foundations have not even been laid yet. The survey participants believe it is better to move forward boldly and not let circumstances slow you down. In the end, things always happened that no one expected. Respondents would like to live life with this mindset and now want to pass this advice on to the younger generation.
‘I wish I didn’t spend so much time worrying’
Carl Pillemer, a professor at Cornell University in New York, came to the same conclusion. Initially, Pillemer expected answers like rash business decisions or secret liaisons, but he was far from it: in a survey conducted by the professor, most seniors said they regretted thinking and worrying too much.
What we can learn from the older generation
The clear message: worrying is a waste of precious time. Science says that ruminating and worrying arise in the first place when there are no immediate problems. Instead, you should invest the resources that consume these hypothetical thoughts into things that require urgent action in the here and now.
3 strategies for dealing with anxiety
- Think in terms of the short term. Of course, you shouldn’t close your eyes to the future and look at it realistically. However, if those prospects make your thoughts fidget for a long time, do yourself a favor by focusing on the present and staying in the present moment.
- Be prepared. Face your fears and anxieties and fight back with determination. Don’t let them take over your mind, but actively fight your fears and anxieties.
- Work on your acceptance. Accept the things that cannot be changed. In this way you will be able to let go of stressful thoughts and find inner peace.
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