It’s a choice. To be positive and free, or to be imprisoned by your own negativity. To live in the past, or to be hopeful about the present.
With 2018 now behind us, I’m sitting here on the eighth anniversary of a dear family member’s passing, thinking about the last conversation I had with her. With a soft, weak voice she told me her only regret was that she didn’t appreciate every year with the same passion and purpose that she had in the final two years of her life, after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. “I’ve accomplished so much recently,” she told me. “If I had only known, I would have started sooner.”
Her words have been a pulsing wake-up call to me ever since. And today, I hope they help change your perspective too.
As Kurt Vonnegut once said, “Of all the words of mice and men, the saddest are: “It might have been.”
So with a New Year upon you, realize that you have a priceless opportunity! Forget the past year. Forget your age and what could’ve or should’ve been. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. At the end of it, let there be no excuses, no explanations and no regrets.
Here are 15 great ideas to get you to December 31st, 2019 with a smile on your face and a sense of accomplishment in your heart…
- Be the leader of your own journey. – There are far too many capable people who don’t pursue their dreams and goals because they let their fears, or others, talk them out of it. They give up before they even try and simply let life’s river flow them downstream. Choose to be stronger than that. Choose to swim upstream when you have to. Choose to do the things in life that move you. Let others lead small lives. Let others argue over small things. Let others cry over small wounds. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands. But not YOU.
- Embrace uncertainty. – Sometimes what you don’t want is exactly what you need. Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free. Some of the most incredible chapters in your life won’t have a title you feel comfortable with until much later.
- Take calculated risks. – There is no excuse for being an amateur forever. Life is short. The day is rapidly approaching when the risk to remain perched in your nest is far more detrimental than the risk it takes to fly. Fly! Spread your wings. Start now. What a disgrace it would be for you to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of your full potential. (Read Start: Punch Fear in the Face…)
- Don’t just study it. DO it! – Knowledge combined with intention and action will organize the fulfillment of almost any desire. Yet so many people miss the final step. The action! So pound this into your head: The acquisition of knowledge doesn’t mean you’re growing – growing happens when what you know changes the actions you choose to live by on a daily basis. It’s about learning AND DOING!
- Put diligent effort into your biggest goals. – Are you willing to spend time for a few years like most people won’t, so you can spend the better part of your life like most people can’t? Think about that for a second. If you want the benefits of something in life, you have to also want the costs. Most people want the reward without the risk. The shine without the grind. But that’s laziness, and laziness does not pay. Effort pays. The time and energy you invest in focused effort is never wasted. So remember… Expecting to win without preparation and hard work is arrogance. Expecting to win because you’ve prepared and worked hard is confidence – and that’s what you need to succeed in the long run.
- Think you CAN. – Truthfully, if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. And change breeds growth. So when a goal seems big and a plan looks tough, just begin, push through it for awhile, and soon the next thing you need to do will look possible. Step by step you can get through anything – this is the truth and you have to believe it. In the end, you’re going to succeed because you’re crazy enough to think you can.
- Respond with the power of your positivity. – Talking about our problems can be an unhealthy addiction. Break the habit and talk about your joys, victories and blessings instead. Envision problems no longer being a problem to you. Envision the frustrations around you no longer frustrating you. Envision a day where you are no longer limited by limited thinking. Envision old obstacles no longer being able to hold you back. Now consider this: Your life is the way it is not because of what happens, but because of how you respond to it. If you can truly envision that the problems are not problems at all, that’s the way it will be. If you can sincerely imagine that the obstacles can’t hold you back, they won’t be able to.
- Flow with life, rather than against it. – Instead of resenting what you must do, just get it done. Transform the energy of resentment into the satisfaction of achievement. When you choose to love what you’re doing, you’ll be able to do more of what you love. It’s a truly fulfilling way to live. In this moment is everything you are and everything you need. So allow your actions to add positive value to the moment. Rather than making judgments about what’s enjoyable and what’s not, make the choice to simply enjoy what is, and then make the best of it. (Read The Miracle Morning.)
- Be extra kind to people. – The person you mistakenly take for granted today may turn out to be the only person you need tomorrow. Which is why you must remember to…
- Value what money can’t buy. – People who spend all their time trying to make money, spend all their money trying to make time. Don’t do this to yourself. This year, be wealthy in healthy relationships too.
- Share your love openly and honestly with those you love. – No matter what, you’re going to lose people in your life. Realize that no matter how much time you spend with someone, or how much you appreciate them, sometimes it will never seem like you had enough time together. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way. Express your love. Tell people what you need to tell them. Don’t shy away from important conversations because you feel awkward or uncomfortable. You never know when you might lose your opportunity.
- Be wise enough to walk away from needless negativity. – Other people’s negativity is rarely worth dealing with. Let them work it out on their own time. When other people treat you poorly, keep being you. Don’t ever let someone else’s bitterness and bad behavior change the person you are. And…
- Forget trying to please every stranger you meet. – Some people are not going to agree with you or like you no matter what you do or what you say. Get over it and get on with your life. No one has the right to judge you anyway. They may have heard your stories, but they didn’t feel what you were going through. So forget what they say about you. Focus on how you feel about yourself, and do your best to…
- Let your presence overpower your fear of judgment. – When you’re in a social situation that’s making you anxious, train yourself to be present without regretting how others once made you feel, or fearing the possibility of future judgment. This is your choice. You CAN change the way you think. For instance, if you were performing life-saving, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on your mom in public, you’d be 100% focused and present. You wouldn’t be thinking about what bystanders thought of your hair, your body type or the brand of jeans you were wearing. All these inconsequential details would vanish from your consciousness. The intensity of the situation would motivate you to choose not to care about what others think of you. This proves, quite simply, that thinking about what others are thinking about you is YOUR CHOICE.
- Say “goodbye” so you can say “hello.” – In life, goodbyes are a gift. When certain people walk away from you, and certain opportunities close their doors on you, there is no need to hold onto them or pray to keep them present in your life. If they close you out, take it as a direct indication that these people, circumstances and opportunities are not part of the plan for the next step of your life. It’s a hint that your personal growth requires someone different and something more, and life is simply making room. So embrace your goodbyes, because every “goodbye” you receive sets you up for an even better “hello.”
Afterthoughts
If you’re struggling with any of these points, know that you are not alone. Many of us are right there with you, working hard to feel better, think more clearly, and live a life free of regrets. This is precisely why Angel and I wrote our New York Times bestselling book, Getting Back to Happy. It’s filled with short, concise tips on how to do just that. And believe it or not, Angel and I review a lot of our own material on a regular basis too, just to center our minds on these positive principles.
The bottom line is that it’s never too late to take a step in the right direction. It’s never too late to become the person you are capable of being. Things can change if you want them to, at any age. Right now you have an opportunity to write yourself a New Year full of peace and free of regret.
The floor is yours…
What else would you add to the list? What do you want to do in the next year that you know you will not regret? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Photo by: Boyd Meiklejohn
Dev says
Marc (and Angel), your reminders about regret always ring so true to me, and this post is no exception.
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth mentioning again. After reading parts of your book on regret around this time last year, I called a friend of mine who was batting cancer and dying. I hadn’t phoned her for a while because she was having continuous cancer treatments, which made casual conversation a struggle for us because we knew she has little time. But I also knew I would regret not talking to her, and after I broke the ice, I took it a step further and went to see her every afternoon until she passed away last week. Thank you for motivating me to do so. It’s a choice I will never regret.
And I plan on making this new year regret free as well. You better believe I will be crossing my T’s and dotting my I’s. Here’s a quote on regret from your book that has helped me keep things in perspective and do just that:
“Before you know it you’ll be asking, ‘How did it get so late so soon?’ Take time to figure yourself out. Take time to realize what it is you want. Take time to take risks. Take time to love, laugh, cry, and forgive. Life is shorter than it often seems. Look straight ahead and say ‘YES’ to the opportunities coming your way. Happiness and success never come to look for you while you wait around. You’ve got to get out there, take chances, and work at it to make your time memorable.”
Like so many others, I’m looking forward to the year ahead. Lots of positive changes from this past year that I want to build upon. Happy New Year!
Amandah says
I spent an hour this afternoon walking along a river with my nine year old son. Just the two of us. No agenda, no electronics, no interruptions. It was great. I’ve made a pact with myself that I will do this or something similar with my son at least once a week this whole year, and I know I won’t regret it. Best resolution I’ve ever made.
Sara Lowe says
I will never regret letting go of my full time job for part time work so that I can spend time every day with my mom in the last months of her life. They gave her about 6 months, and currently she has another 3 months to go if we’re lucky.
These past three months have been an honor and a privilege to be able to help her, to listen to her stories (again!), to see the love in her eyes and watch the grace that enveloped her as she contemplated her life and that to come.
We’ve already grown closer than we had ever been and have developed a genuine appreciation of and gratitude for the women we have become through our cycle of giving and receiving.
No amount of money or status or a credit on my resume could replace such a priceless treasure as this experience. And I’m looking forward to all the time we have left together.
Erral & Jenna says
Marc, as I watched the fireworks last night and welcomed in the new year, I felt privileged and excited about making a fresh start in 2015. A new year brings with it a new beginning. It is a very special time. As you say, it is a priceless opportunity. I’m planning a big year. I’ll be the leader of my own journey. I want to spread my wings and fly. It’s a bit scary, though.
Point 12 was a very hurtful experience for me this year. I’m taking your advice. I’ll try to put it behind me and get on with my life. I’ve accepted that they’re not in the plan for the next part of my life, starting today. Big decision but I know I can do it. Thanks for such an important post at this time. (Jenna)
Bobbi says
A new year and a new chance to get it right!
My resolution is to spend more time on self-care. Too often I have given my time away to everyone else. It’s time to reallocate some time just for me. Doing so will help me with a few goals I’ve been putting off for too long. And making progress on these goals is something I won’t regret down the road.
Bette says
Thank you for this post, which I will read many times! Can you explain how #1 and #8 are complementary? How does one know whether to swim upstream or go with the flow?
Marc Chernoff says
@Bette:
Flowing with life means accepting what is, so you can make effective decisions based on the reality of your circumstances. The key is focus on what you CAN control, rather than worrying about what you can’t control.
Speaking figuratively, you can’t control which way a river is flowing, but you can decide how to navigate it. In other words… If you resist the basic notion that the river is flowing in a certain direction, you’ll waste all your time stressing out over the uncontrollable. On the other hand, if you accept that the river is flowing in that direction, you can then make decisions that control how to deal with it. Perhaps you’ll flow downstream for a short while until the current eases up, so you can easily swim to the other side. Or maybe you’ll paddle as hard as you can right now, against the current, to get to the other side ASAP. The decision is yours. And the key is to not defer making the decision.
Daniel says
Great and challenging piece!
Thanks for this wonderful and timely post.
Phuong Hong says
Thank you for every beautiful words and motivation you bring to us. It’s really meaningful to me. Wish you all the best. Happy New Year!
Bridget says
Thank you for waking me up, #15 shook me.
Rose Costas says
Thanks Marc for this encouraging post to start the year. I am truly appreciative because I have made up my mind to make this year the best year my life. I have spent my life worrying and becoming frustrating instead of living and I am refusing to allow that to happen anymore.
I am strong enough now to embrace uncertainty and not live in fear. Fear of the unknown or fear of taking chances have always been my biggest hurdles. After reading your blog posts for a while I am now equipped to handle them better than I ever had before. Thanks again
Misty says
Marc and Angel:
THANK YOU! I have spent the last year struggling and worrying about 2 people that have chosen to leave my life, debating on what I could do to change the situation. I have so much positive in my life that I should spend my time and energy on rather than this negativity and I love that you continually bring this to the forefront of my mind.
May God Bless you abundantly in 2015!
Melissa Wilson says
I used to feel like I had a lot of regrets. Then I learned to go easy on myself. I would add to #9 that we need to be extra kind to people, including ourselves. It’s easier to think that we have done something wrong than it is to think we’ve done everything right. I think sometimes we just have to know that we did the best we could at the time.
Kim says
Another amazing post! There’s been a lot of good-byes in my recent past, and I know it’s been the best thing for me, but still, very painful. I know you’re right about life making room for other people that will be better for me, and that will help me become a better person, but that journey is difficult. It’s so easy to know and see what you are supposed to do, but sometimes so hard to do it.
Linda says
Thank you so much for this post. I have been struggling with a new possible love in my life but as quickly as it started, it seems to be ending and I have just been in a whirlwind of hurt and confusion thinking I’m not worth anything. #15 really hit home, as well as the rest of them, but it helped me to see that it is time to say goodbye and let go. This person has been very bitter toward me and all I have been is loving. This has hurt me but with this hurt, I have been getting stronger. I am making room for the next hello which will be the right person for me to share life with, to be able to share all my love with.
Brenda says
For the last 5 weeks I’ve been taking a 3 mile walk every morning. I’m already seeing a positive difference in my energy levels and physical health. Doing this for the rest of the year is my resolution and one I know I won’t regret.
Ruby says
Thank you. Your words are a blessing. Have a wonderful New Year.
Beth Gallivan says
Happy New Year to you and everyone who reads this note!
This is a wonderful article. Thank you for posting it.
I’d like to tell Sara that I think she is doing precisely the right thing. I lost my mom several years ago. I miss her but I am comforted – even grateful – that we spent an enormous amount of time together. She knew how much I appreciated her. Is there a better gift a child can give to a parent? I believe Sara will have the same. My heart is with her.
Keila says
Thank you for these articles. They LITERALLY keep me going!!!!!
lisa thomson-the great escape says
Embracing the small moments with my kids and loved ones. Kind of like your #11. It’s too easy to forget the value of making that small effort to show the ones we love that they are the priority in our lives. A phone call, a card, a text (at minimal) a visit, tuning in. Thanks for a wonderful post for the first day of the year!
orlabiesy says
I appreciate you Marc & Angel. Love your blog!
Claudiu C. says
I’m never disappointed when reading one of your posts. My plan for this year is to make it a big year, filled with activities and projects. I’m determined that I will not let anything stand in my way.
Thank you for the post.
Betsy says
Happy New Year. Am going to make a real effort to like myself more, be more positive, and write positive things down every day.
I am going to have a conversation with my sister that has been bothering me for decades. Hopefully, it will turn out well, because I don’t want to lose my only sister.
What a great way to start a new year, cleaning up messes from a long time ago. Today is the first new day of my life.
Thank you. Looking forward to this, even if scary.
Kay says
Thank you so much for this post and all your posts this past year because they have pretty much saved my life. I struggled so much in 2014. I struggled against myself, others, life……..but I could never understand what was underneath the struggles nor what was worth the fight and what wasn’t. Yours and Angel’s posts have not only helped me look and understand what is underneath but also how to move on. I don’t think every struggle is over but I now know that every struggle means something. Thanks to you both for helping me get there. Now onto this next year…
Aysha says
How true each point is. But #15 just hit right into the heart. Still finding that difficult. My marriage broke down 2 years ago after husband and I separated. For two years I’ve kept the door open to a possible reconciliation. But in that time, I have built up walls that now imprison me. I don’t want to hurt again by reaching out and taking a risk as it might lead to more pain . But at same time, I don’t want to say goodbye.
I’ve been hiding behind the pain and all that has done is not allow me to be the leader of my own journey. I realise that now. How linked some of your points are!
Thank you Marc and Angel. Your posts have helped me a lot.
jim says
Some of my favorite reminders…
Be a blue sky guy.
If you don’t ask, they can’t say yes.
Carpe diem.
Don’t let the sun set.
None can stop time.
Alta says
Hey Marc
“There are far too many capable people who don’t pursue their dreams and goals because they let their fears, or others, talk them out of it. ” This will be my motto for 2015 and driving force to make my online business successful.
Alat
Massie says
Marc, thank you for this post. #15 especially hit home. 2014 was a rocky road for me, professionally and personally. I struggled to walk away from someone that was a big part of my life, out of comfort, love…it’s hard to tell now. But now with the fresh year, I strive to start 2015 on a positive note, and finding the courage to say goodbye, when that same person gave me the courage to say hello. Thank you for your inspiring posts, here’s to a new year!
David says
If you do not step out and take a risk you will never have an opportunity to reap the rewards. The world needs more leaders and it starts by taking action.
leo says
Thank you for your inspiring words . After failed relationships and unsuccessful attempts on making them work I have come to understand that it’s time for me. I have given so much of my life to other’s that I never really taken care of my need’s. I finally came to to the point where I had no more to give . My new years resolution is to give my life back to me .
Jacky says
I really want this New Year to be a year of change for me. I so often dwell on the past and what could have been or should have been and what if I had not have left my husband and what if I had not run away? I dwell on all the people who have died in the last few years – why didn’t I go and visit my brother on the Saturday before the Sunday he died. I got to him just a moment too late and he was dead. Why do so many good people die? I have been through the most awful periods in my present job and had a terrible time with my line manager trying to suspend me – I dwell on all these things but I am going to try to bury these regrets and move on. My hours are being reduced at work and I have to work out how I can live on 20 hours – but I have the power and the strength to go and apply for a new full time job, despite my age, despite everything. I have overcome so many awful things that many people would not have survived, but I did survive. I have found strength I never knew I had. I will leave negativity behind and only concentrate on the present. I cannot change the past. I cannot change what the future has in store for me. I can live in the moment and enjoy the joy of living in this present moment. I am setting intentions for this new year. New job, new partner, new activities, new past-times. Write my book. Find new friends. Read more. Meditate more. Live more. Look after myself. All these things are possible. This year will be the best year yet.
Captain Kirk says
Marc…
Instead of happy new year…happy new YOU!
The lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal growth continues…
After several years of reflection and the fire and desire to pursue my passion and improve my quality of life, I have decided to DOWNSIZE and SIMPLIFY my journey. This will require some dramatic changes, and will offer more time to devote to my faith-based life.
My future (reachable) goal is to confidently advance to the front lines and devote the best years of my life to my community service. I trust that my faith-based flight path to life will fuel the fires of my heart to enhance the quality of life for myself and others.
My burning desire is to serve my heavenly Father with a complete heart, and serve my community by volunteering my time, energy, and an open heart that flows with genuine love, concern, kindness, compassion, empathy, and the Bible’s promises of a peaceful, safe, and fulfilling future.
I am still patiently waiting for the radio signal from my air traffic control tower…to confirm clearance for takeoff >>>>>>>>>>
Until then, my anthem for 2015 and beyond…….
“Kick the tires….and light the fires…”
tin says
#15 really hit me hard. I’ve been looking for an answer this past few days and when I read this, I realize that it’s time to let go and to say goodbye no matter how hard it could be. I’ll just have to learn how to let go despite of the emotional pain it would cause. I have to learn to accept the situation, be strong and be able to stand up on my decision to say goodbye….Thank you Marc & Angel for your post.
Dimakatso says
I have no words as the whole article is talking to me. From #1 to #15…
I’m willing to let go, open my heart and stop being afraid if the unknown..
Thanks a lot for this post.
Reymond says
Every time I feel sad, I always read your blog and it inspires me. It helps me a lot!! It makes me realize that there is always a sunshine after the rain!! Thank you!!
Poppy99 says
Love this piece and all the comments. Happy New Year to all – let’s make it a positive one.
Marc Chernoff says
Everyone, I just wanted to jump back in here and say: THANK YOU!
Your kind remarks and wishes for the year ahead mean the world to Angel and me. Cheers to this New Year and another chance to get it right! 🙂
sherill says
HI, a fresh start for 2015. Thanks for all the great articles you’ve posted. This one is really very timely for all of us. Cheers!!!
Dhan Paul Aguilar says
Thank you for this inspiring site!!! <3
Arun Prasad says
Wish you a very happy new year 2015 Marc and Angel! 🙂
Thank you very much for all your articles in the past years! I love your website.
Shukri Abdullah says
Happy new year first and foremost!
Have a good one!
One thing I vow to do for 2015 is to set my goals and more importantly paying attention to the progress that I have made in efforts to reach those goals. I tried setting a few in 2014 and instead of rewarding myself with small accomplishments, I kept both eyes on the big results, which ended up falling flat.
So yeah, better start writing those goals now.
Robyn says
Wow! Exactly one year ago I learned my husband of fifteen years had been having an affair! 2014 was the absolute most horrible and emotional year of my life! I was on so many anti depressants, sleeping pills, anxiety medicine, constant counseling and absolute horrific MESS! I lost thirty pounds in one month. I went from a size 8 to a size 0! Some how ( I guess an Angel from above)sent me the article 12 Little Habits that Stole Your Happiness last Year through my email! I delete everything! I have never even heard of you! (so sorry) I know the spelling is not correct, but as soon as I saw Marc and Angel my mind rearranged the letters and I saw Carma and Angel! I believed it was a sign so I kept reading! I was so blown away I felt as though you were writing and speaking directly to ME! I couldn’t believe how one article put everything in prospective and I have been searching, looking for answers, wasting so much time from my precious life! #7 and #12 did it for me! I had the best day of my life in a very very long time and from one article you’ve changed my life! It was all right there in black and white! My questions and solutions had been answered right in front of me! I can not begin to tell you how grateful and thankful for you! You seriously have given me a new outlook on life! It’s funny so many people have told me similar things but it was in your delivery that opened up my eyes to reality! Tonight I went on your website to read more and I can’t wait to purchase your book! After reading the article I made three copies for three friends and I said we really should live by this! After reading g the article to my mom, she said I should place one copy in every room and basically attach it to my forehead! I can’t tell you what a complete impact this article has had on me and although I tried so incredibly hard to fight for a marriage that shouldn’t be and today I closed that door with confidence and a sense of relief! I can’t wait to say hello to the rest of my life! I have a lot of living to do to make up for the year I’ve wasted! I am finally going to let go and leave 2014! Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me to see I have so much living to do!
Alain P. Fundi says
Great blog post ! Thanks.
You asked what else I would have loved to read :
The action part. After the positive thinking comes action. And this one is simple(because we know what needs to be done) but not easy at all.
The positive thinking comes first of course, but if we forget the action that must come right after that, we aren’t moving forward.
Kathrin says
Thank you for the motivation and inspiration!
Happy new year!
Beth Hawkes says
Thank you for this inspiring post! #3 really spoke to me, and I love the imagery.
You are a beautiful writer! I am going to study your writing to improve my own.
This year I’m going to take a risk …bc I don’t want the regret otherwise!
Beth Hawkes
Lynne says
Great post! I would like to live my life without regrets as this negativity will only pull me down. Knowing that we only have one life to live, let us make the most out of it and move forward with each coming day.
Erica Porter says
Thank you much much for these beautiful words and encouragement. I am not one that usually will comment for all to see as if I am ashamed. I am not I have made many mistakes in life some over and over again. I have held onto these burdens for along time. I want to be free of all of this and make a happier life for myself and I can and I will.. I always tried so hard to smile behind tears.. I have lost some great people in my life starting at an early age to today.. I have said goodbye but always felt that huge hole that I never let go.. I miss them all so dearly. I am the emotional woman.. I cry but try to hold these tears in so I can be strong for everyone else. I have always tried to please everyone before myself. That’s how I made myself feel better. I know I will always be there for those that I care for but I am thinking ahead and I need to save someone now and that’s ME. It’s not been easy holding onto pain for so many years then finally exploding.. I have 2 beautiful children that need me and a wonderful man that loves ME and I absolutely love and adore him. I will not forget my awesome family my beautiful mother and sister and my awesome father, (that I’m sure it’s not been easy on them) that have not left my side since day 1.. I choose my happiness and will share this with them. Thank you ?