11 Life Choices You’ll be Proud of in 10 Years

Have you ever regretted something so bad and wished you could go back in time to make a different choice? 

Being human, we’re all bound to make some good and some not-so-good choices, which we may end up harbouring regrets over for a long time.

Decisions in life that matter are not dependent on whether you broke the bank to buy that killer dress or not but on a much bigger picture. Your moral principles and opinions on the more difficult issues you face and how you deal with them, have more bearing on your lifelong decisions than a spur-of-the-moment choice.

Life is a journey, and the choices we make along the way shape who we become. In 10 years, you will reflect on your life and be proud of your choices if you focus on the things that truly matter. 

Here are 11 life choices that will make you proud in 10 years:

1. Do What You Love by Doing You!

If you try to define who you are based on what other people find attractive, then you will end up unhappy. The most common saying nowadays is “do you” and this comes at the right time now in that breaking away to thrive means trying everything and anything you want to do which will bring out the best- and the worst- in you.

Be encouraged to explore so that you can discover what makes your heart full and satisfied away from what others think about you and you’re achieving your dreams.

Learn as much as you can and find others who share your passion.

You'll wind up with the wrong people and situations in your life if you waste time pretending to appreciate something just because other people you believe are "cool" or ok with it. You will find a way of life and a set of connections that truly fulfill you if you love what you love and are authentically you.

Tip: If you're passionate about something, pursue it with all your heart. Whether it's a hobby or a career, doing what you love will bring you joy and fulfillment.

Read Also: 5 Things To Spend Money On That Can Boost Your Happiness In 2023

2. Saving Money Every Time You Get Paid

Where are you financially? 

Depending on your answer to this question, consider improving your lot if you are not comfortable with your finances now.

Consider working towards building a nest egg that will boost you financially. This is possible through saving initially and then investing the saved money so that it starts working for you.

You can put the savings in a Money Market Fund (MMF) or any other high-return options that you may have. Consider investing your money with the help of a financial adviser so that you are well informed on what to expect from your investment.

Please note that you cannot invest your emergency funds because, as it is, it is money set aside for a rainy day that no one knows when it will come. In ten years, your saving and investing habits should leave you better off financially than it was before you started.

Tip: Strive to build a strong financial foundation for a financially secure life in the future. By saving money every time you get paid, you'll be on your way to financial freedom. Start small and then grow the savings as time goes by.

Read Also: Where Do I Keep my savings? The 7 Main Places to Put Your Savings

3. Start Saving for Retirement Early

Most people are having a lot on their tables right now and from the look of things, it may seem like retirement is forever away. Well, the reality is that every new day brings retirement closer than it was yesterday.

With this reality, plan on squeezing your little cash to have some of it set aside for your future. Towards your early retirement, consider putting some cash in a scheme that will give you returns that will afford you a comfortable retirement, whether you plan on early retirement or not.

Tip: The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more time your money has to grow. By starting early, you'll be able to retire comfortably and enjoy your golden years. If you haven’t already started saving for retirement, do not regret not starting since your next best time to start is now. Start small and if need be, you could consult a financial adviser to guide you on this journey.

Read Also: 7 Reasons Why Retirement Planning is Important

4. Your Body and Mental Health Matter. Take Care of Them.

Unlike things that are easy to repair or upgrade, our bodies happen to be limited in terms of these options. As such, consider treating your body with respect by not taking your health and well-being for granted. 

Our physical health and quality of life are strongly intertwined. So act wisely and attend to the entire bundle before it's too late.

Putting your health first by deliberately and consciously deciding to take care of your body and practicing all sorts of self-care on a regular basis is a choice you won't regret making in life. Aging is inevitable but how you treat your body now will determine how this process goes. 

How do you want to look ten years from now?

Work towards this by ensuring that you are investing in taking care of your body and mind since these are your most valuable assets.

Tip: With health- physical and mental- being your most valuable assets, ensure that you take care of your body and mind by eating healthy, exercising, and avoiding stress to be able to live a healthy life without disease.

5. Control Less, Live More!

Even though it may feel good to be able to control and have a grasp of everything around you, the reality is that you are actually expending valuable energy on an impossibility. No one can be 100 percent in control all the time. As such, it is ok being kind to yourself by letting go of what went wrong and didn’t work now knowing that it can be tried again at another time.

Relax and believe in the direction life will take you. Take five whenever control mania strikes. Breathe deeply a few times, bring yourself back to the present, and let everyone involved know that it is alright to experience bumps or fail altogether before getting to a goal.

Instead of rejecting (and attempting to manage) unexpected outcomes, allow yourself the opportunity to be surprised and accept them again and again.

Tip: Sometimes, we get so caught up in trying to control everything that we forget to live. Let go of the things you can't control and focus on what truly matters. This way even your priorities will change and you’ll be able to focus better on improving your life.

6. Drop Toxic Relationships

Everyone deserves respect and you merit it from everyone in your life, including your family, friends, and workmates. 

Starting with appreciating yourself is the best method to earn respect from others. Stand your ground on your principles and make decisions that you are proud of. Call someone out if they are being rude in your life and if nothing changes, then reduce their presence in your life in time and influence. 

To be able to view things from other angles, we need individuals who push us to think differently and disagree with us. However, we don't have to put up with toxic individuals who don't value us all the time. Even when our inner wisdom tells us it's time to let go of a long-term relationship, it can still be tough to do so. Don't get me wrong, ending a toxic relationship hurts, but doing so is a win rather than a loss. For perspective on what your years ahead will be like, look back 5 or ten years and see how relationships you have cut off affected who you became. In the same way, drop the toxic people in your life and look forward to a great decade ahead.

Tip: The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your life. By dropping toxic relationships, you'll be able to surround yourself with positive and supportive people.

Read Also: Common Mind Games People Play and How to Outsmart Them - Money Psychology

7. Wake up Every Morning to do Things Right

The world is rife with many challenges that could leave many daydreaming. Instead of getting lost in the sauce, it is best to start acting on your dreams. 

Build a backbone rather than a wishbone. Take full charge of your life and accept full responsibility. As an individual, there is a value you add to this world and you are valuable and required. Waiting around for someone to act someday is no longer an option. The world needs someone right now, and that someone is YOU. 

Consider prioritising productivity over busyness. For fulfillment, don't just complete tasks but give it your all. Again, do the proper tasks, including the things that matter in your personal life too.

Tip: Start your day off right by setting your intentions and getting things done. Consider creating a task schedule that you could evaluate at the end of each day to see how well you are doing.

8. Put Down Your Smartphone!

Have you ever checked how much time you spend on your phone either whiling away time, working, or on social media?

There is no worse feeling than being somewhere and having no idea how you got there. Even worse is when you only appreciate something's value after it's already passed. Living in the now is a fundamental idea, but like with most fundamental ideas, we frequently complicate it. But gaining an appreciation for and awareness of life as it is happening is not difficult. 

Being present doesn't require any intricate thinking. The great Instagram picture you saw in your feed won't stick in your memory, regardless. But you'll want to keep in mind the discussions you had and the experiences you had. So, consider putting that phone and enjoy the moments. They are fleeting.

Tip: Your phone is a tool and not a lifeline. Instead of your phone becoming your master, consider disconnecting from it as often as possible for you to be able to focus on the things that truly matter.

Read Also: Is Social Media Ruining Your Finances?

9. Be Aware When Fear Stalks

You'll continue making decisions based on what your ego assumes is certain if you're not conscious that it's acting out of fear. This could be at the expense of your health, happiness, life purpose, and financial potential.

To move from this and get better, always seek to understand why you are doing what you do, the outcomes, and under what circumstances. Evaluate the trend and see if fear has had a role in how you make your critical decisions.

By taking a practical approach to understanding fear, you’ll be in a better position to understand if it drives you to make poor decisions or if it holds you back from making any decisions at all.

Tip: Fear can be a powerful force that holds you back. By being aware of your fears, you'll be able to overcome them and live your life to the fullest. Work towards mastering any irrational fears that you may have which hold you back from actualising your dreams.

10. Make Fewer Decisions Daily

Consider reducing the number of decisions you make each day and get better.

This is backed by some research by Princeton University which showed that in the US, judges were likely to grant parole just before noon.

Before making a decision that will have an impact on various aspects of your life, understand the times when your mind is most rested and clear-headed. Also, avoid making big decisions back-to-back since this could affect the outcomes.

Are you in a place where you feel overwhelmed by the decisions you need to make? Take time and then see how the results will be in the long run.

Tip: The more decisions you make, the more mentally exhausted you become. By making fewer decisions, you'll be able to focus better on them and be on top of things. Consider scheduling your decisions according to priorities so that you give each decision adequate time.

11. Seek Help

Once making a decision becomes something bigger than you, consider asking for help from trusted people in your circle. Depending on the issue, these people could be trusted friends or dependable therapists.

If it is a decision in the workplace, you could consult your superiors and if you are the boss, then seek assistance from friends in a similar position.

Tip: Whether it's therapy, counselling, or support groups, seeking help is a sign of strength. By seeking help, you'll be able to overcome your challenges and live a much better life. Work towards lessening the burdens you bear to live much more fully and freer.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the choices we make in life shape who we become.

By focusing on the things that truly matter, you'll be able to make choices that you'll be proud of in 10 years. Remember to do what you love, take care of your body and mind, surround yourself with positive and supportive people, and always seek help when needed.

Also, always listen to your intuition and question what does not sit well with your ego.

As long as it is not crippling fear that would hinder you from venturing out of your comfort zone, make the jump into the future that you envision.

Do not fall into the trap of people trying to change you or force you into thinking or doing something that you would not otherwise do.

Push yourself to lead a fulfilling life and seek guidance when need be and do not take anything personally from people since you have no control over them or their actions.