Sometimes you can get a second chance. We have all made mistakes that we probably regret–mistakes that we probably would have changed if we could. So today I have some special powers and I can grant you a wish for a "do over" or two. Something that you should have done different. A chance to zig when you zagged. A chance to correct something that you would like to correct.
The question is, "What is it?"
For me when I think about this question, something pops into my mind right away. If I had a "do over" I would have studied abroad my junior year in college. I believe it would have been an amazing experience and allowed me to mature as a person. I especially could have used that experience in the global economy that we are in today. I know I discussed it a little bit but pretty much discounted it really quickly.
My bad for sure!
Your turn.
What is your "do over?"
- Was it a relationship you would have changed?
- A job you wouldn’t have taken?
- A friend you wouldn’t have had?
- A city you wouldn’t have lived in?
- A college you wouldn’t have attended?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Michael Halberstam says:
This is very tough to answer. Everything you do adds to your life experience, contributes to the person you are and the environment you live in. Certainly, there are arguments I would like to have avoided as well as things like car accidents. Changing how I handled relationships, both personal and professional, may or may not have been a good thing. I learned something from each that I put that knowledge to good use.
janet says:
This is extremely hard because if I had taken a different path I don’t know if I would be in a better place and I most likely would not have the family I have. However, all things being equal I would have done the Nursing major at Skidmore. At that time it was one of the best in the nation and the training involved 2 years in NYC, which would have been an amazing experience. My father was a doctor and I was always interested in medicine and this would have been a good choice for me. I decided on it too late and I couldn’t change majors at that point.
Adam Jolley says:
I agree with the above. I also think that reasons for lack of regrets probably are reflective of how happy we are with our lives and where we are. Time heals the wounds of regret and I think if I was asked what I would do-over during a struggling point of my life, I’d probably fill up this blog space.
Ed Sugar says:
Adam hit the bullseye on this. Life is hard and we all make mistakes. Always acknowledge your errors and misjudgements, make the necessary changes and move on. Clinging on to guilt and regrets sour the soul.
Ed Sugar says:
And to quote the wise philosopher Marion Heyn – “With ‘If’ you can put Paris in a bottle”
Rob Polishook says:
Great Question Merill! Certainly this question can be applied everyday. However, its also important to recognize life is a journey and while a do- over may have been wanted. The resultant consequence probably led to a learning experience and something else that led to something else which may have been pretty cool. Maybe the subsequent question to ask is: what did you learn by not being granted a do-over?
No doubt my do over would have been playing High School Soccer. I did not play and that was the end of my teamsport experience. I do miss that opportunity. The positive was it helped me focus on tennis.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Rob,
Good point about team sports. For me I think it defined who I was in some ways. It gave me a chance to be competitive and be team-oriented at once.
Thanks.
Merrill
Karen Dawson says:
Same for me Merrill, I wish i had studied abroad too. If I only
known I would be getting in to the travel business, I would have
paid a lot more attention to those language classes. Last week on my way to Scotland, I sat next to two young ladies who were going to Oxford for 4 weeks, and then on to Italy for the fall semester; I was very jealous. But at the same time thrilled these
young women now have these opportunities.
Arturo Coto says:
I wish I would have started that internet search company back in 1997.
Seriously, I think my do overs are the ideas I didn’t pursue hard enough – not taking enough risks. However, I do agree that you live and learn, and I love where my life path has led me. So, no real regrets here.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Arturo,
I love your comment about not taking enough risks. I wonder if people were honest and true to themselves would they say the same thing.
Appreciate your input.
Merrill
Donna Marie Kasich says:
I would have found a mentor (though Merrill you’ve certainly helped me and been a friend to me over the years). While I have been fortunate enough to have worked in the industry for 10+ years, it would have been helpful to receive some sage advice regarding a career path. So if being a mentor is something someone out there regrets not having done, you’ve got that chance for a “do-over.” I’d be an incredibly enthusiastic student!
Merrill Dubrow says:
Donna,
GREAT addition to the list – thanks for sharing.
Hope all is well.
Merrill
Jim Steber says:
If i had it all to do over I would have lived by the following.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather
To skid in sideways, Beer in one hand – choclate in the other – body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and Screaming
“WOO HOO, what a ride”
malcolm williamson says:
I attended the #1 ranked high school in the country (and didn’t know it). I probably would have utilized more of what was offered to me at a young age, instead of being such a dips%#t know-it-all.
Took me getting spanked in college to realize I should have worked harder.
Oh well…