Have you ever regretted anything? I think we all have. It
is hard not to, it seems at times it can be very difficult
to know what the right decision is. In life I believe we
all move toward things that make us happy, and away from
that which could hurt us or make us sad, I also believe
that all people no matter who they are; are entitled to as
much happiness and success as they want. I wrote this
article because I know what kind of capacity people
potentially have; I know they are capable of great things.
I wrote this article to share with you a few different
tools and techniques that have increased my ability to make
better choices and regret less. Read this article with an
open mind and just try some of the ideas out, I mean what
is the worst that could happen? Your life would get better?


Step 1: Say It Right

Often times it can be difficult if not impossible to make
what you think at that moment will be the right choice. One
of the biggest factors that will hold people back, is that
to too often than not we are not completely clear on what
type of result or outcome we want from a situation. Think
about it, if you don't really know what kind of result you
want it is going to be pretty hard to know what choice is
going to be the right one. So what do you do? You get
clear, before you make any choice you think about what you
want out of the situation. Think about its effects in the
long term, and short term. Knowing exactly what you want is
very powerful, and if you commit to using this tool I know
you will make choices with ease and certainty.

Step 2: Give a little

We have all heard the golden rule; Do onto others as you
would have them do onto you. This is probably one of the
most important ideas to keep in mind when making good
choices. When we are young a lot of us develop this me, me,
me, attitude. We want all the toys, and we don't want to
share. Now this mentality may get us a lot of toys, but it
defiantly doesn't help you make friends. In this day and
age a large part of personal success is based on working
with others to achieve ours goals. If we can help others
get what they want, it will be much easier and they will be
much more willing to help us get what we want. So when
making any choice it is always ideal to think about how can
I give in this situation? Who else is involved? How can I
help them and my self get what we want? Now you have a
formula that is a winner every time. So put forth some
effort to being aware of others, and get out there and give!

Step 3: Class Time

Now many of us think once we have finished high school or
college the learning is over. Well my friends this could
not be further from the truth. The only thing that changes
is your class room environment. We are always learning new
things, meeting new people, and gathering new information.
Although one lesson that eludes many of us is that no
matter what happens in any situation we can always learn.
So many of us are afraid to make bad choices because we do
not want to encounter the pain that will accompany that
choice. Yet keep in mind whatever we think about is what we
manifest, so unfortunately when we get overly concerned
with making the wrong choice we tend it descend further and
further into that fear based thinking that in turn leads us
to make a decision that we are unhappy with. All because we
were not focused on the right things. I think it is pretty
safe to say any skill or ability or just about anything
else that we have developed in our life we did not do, or
gain on the first try. A lot of us all want everything to
just work out the first time and avoid failure at all
costs. Well there is a term for that my friends and its
called luck! The truth is most of the time things are not
going to work out on the first attempt, but if we are
willing to learn from the outcome then we are more prepared
next time to make a better decision. The quality of your
choices will be directly related to how much you are
willing to learn from the previous ones. When you learn
from your choices you end up with much less regret.

Step 4: Fear Is Your Friend

When it comes to making choices there can be a lot of fear
involved. A lot of uncertainty can be present when it is
time for us to make a decision be it big or small. Sadly
there are times when this fear is so strong, so gripping
that we are stripped completely of our ability to make any
choice at all. That is what I consider true regret because
there is nothing to learn from, no action good or bad was
taken. But we have to remember fear is there for a reason,
but we can choose how we are going to use it. The
discomfort that comes with fear more often than not is a
signal, a signal telling us that we are on the brink of
something new, some personal growth, or even a
breakthrough. Fear is there to let you know you are
growing, to show you there is still uncharted territory for
you to explore. Imagine all the people in history that must
have been afraid, who went forth away to discover new
worlds, create new sciences, and make the world a better
place to live. Now I am not saying that you want to go down
in the pages of history, but you can have your own
victories and triumphs when you choose to make fear your
friend.

As we move through this journey of life we will surely
encounter many valleys, although it is my strong belief
that if you make a sound effort to make this previous ideas
not only some tips and tricks you know, rather to make them
a part of who you are. Own them, and they will reap for you
great reward and you will find your self atop countless
peaks.

About the Author:

Shannon Graham is a professional life coach that works with
people to help them reach higher levels of confidence and
empowerment. At only 25 years old he has been studying
success principles and personal improvement strategies for
over a decade. For more information visit:
http://www.success4rlife.com