15 Things People Wish They Started Doing 10 Years Ago

Starting right early in life provides us with more time to achieve our goals, build skills and develop habits that help improve our quality of life. 

While an early start on the right footing gives people some advantage in life, many who miss the opportunity may need to go back for a restart. Since it’s impossible to turn back time, those who come to the realisation can start where they are. The sooner they do this, the better.

Those who get a head start in life gain a competitive advantage over those who start later and this is why there are so many motivational materials out there to help people get a restart.

Starting early in life allows people to make mistakes, learn from them and grow at a pace that suits their goals. It allows them to develop their skills and interests without the pressure of time constraints.

Mental and physical health are some of the several positive impacts of starting early. People we look up to exhibit these successes. 

But how do you go back in time to become like this person you admire?

Here are some 15 things you can start doing now to get back on track toward your goals.

1. Building and Maintaining a Strong Support System

A support system includes family, friends, mentors, and professional networks. Having people who are encouraging and provide emotional support can help boost confidence and motivation in reaching your goals. 

By seeking out individuals who believe in you and your goals, you can increase your chances of success and mitigate feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.

To maintain a strong support system, communicate openly and consistently. This means being transparent about your goals, progress, and challenges, and asking for help when needed. It's also important to show appreciation and gratitude for the support you receive and to offer support in return.

In addition, consider seeking out new sources of support when needed. This may involve seeking out new friends, joining a professional organization, or participating in a community group. It's also important to continuously evaluate your support system to ensure that it aligns with your goals and needs. Building and maintaining a strong support system is a continuous process that requires effort and dedication.

Read Also: How to Stay Focused on Your Goals with an Unsupportive Family

2. Practicing Mindfulness and Self-care

Practicing mindfulness and self-care can be greatly beneficial when pursuing your goals. Mindfulness involves being present and aware of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, and accepting them without judgment. This can lead to greater clarity, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved focus and motivation. 

Self-care involves taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being which could include sleep.

Incorporating mindfulness and self-care into your daily routine can help you stay focused and motivated toward your goals. For example, taking a few minutes each day to meditate can help with reducing stress and increasing mental clarity.

Read Also: 5 Ways to Practise Financial Self-care

3. Saving Money

An important aspect of achieving many personal and financial goals is saving money. 

Whether your goal is buying a house, paying off debt, starting a business, or saving for retirement, having a savings plan in place can provide you with peace of mind and a sense of financial stability.

Consider creating a budget and tracking your spending to start saving money. This will give you an understanding of where your money is going each month and help you identify areas where you can cut back. Once you have a clear idea of your expenses, you can determine how much money you can realistically set aside each month for savings. 

Automating your savings can also be helpful, as it ensures that money is set aside before you have a chance to spend it.

Starting this practice early in life provides individuals the opportunity to build a solid financial foundation since they can save and invest money over a longer period, which can result in significant financial returns. Early starters have the privilege of retiring early, making their money work for them, or being their own boss. If you haven’t already started, the next best time to start is now.

Read Also: How to Save Money Fater in 2023

4. Learning a New Skill or Language

Whether it’s a technical skill related to your field of work, a creative hobby, or a foreign language, acquiring new knowledge and abilities can broaden your horizons and provide new opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

By continuously learning and developing new skills, you can stay current in your field, increase your earning potential and gain greater confidence in your abilities.

To effectively learn a new skill or language, set clear and achievable goals. This may involve breaking down the learning process into manageable steps, setting aside dedicated time for study and practice, and seeking out resources such as books, courses, or language exchange programs. 

Learning a new skill or language can be a slow and gradual process, but with time and effort, you can achieve mastery and gain a greater sense of personal fulfillment.

Read Also: Soft Skills that Will Enhance Your Career

5. Building a Strong Network and Building Relationships

Building a strong network and cultivating meaningful relationships can play a significant role in achieving personal and professional goals. 

A supportive network of friends, colleagues, and mentors can provide valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and collaboration, as well as a source of encouragement and motivation. 

To build a strong network and cultivate meaningful relationships, consider reaching out to others and offering to help, being a good listener, and demonstrating genuine interest in others' lives and interests. 

Attending networking events, joining clubs or organizations, and volunteering for community service can also provide opportunities for meeting new people and building relationships.

Read Also: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Job Seekers

6. Investing in Personal Development

By continually learning and growing, you can build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, increase your confidence, and improve your overall well-being. Whether it's taking courses, attending workshops, reading books, or seeking out mentorship, investing in personal development can help you stay current in your field, acquire new knowledge and abilities, and reach new levels of success.

To effectively invest in personal development, identify areas for growth, and seek out opportunities for learning and growth. 

Additionally, having a growth mindset and embracing failure as an opportunity for learning can help you stay motivated and focused on your personal development journey.

7. Building a Diverse Portfolio

Diversifying investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities can reduce risk and increase the potential for long-term growth. 

Additionally, investing in a variety of assets and geographies can help you to weather market downturns and capitalize on growth opportunities in different regions or industries.

To effectively build a diverse portfolio, consider your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and duration of the investment. This may involve working with a financial advisor to create a personalised investment plan or researching and educating to understand different investment options and strategies. 

Additionally, regularly review and adjust your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and changing market conditions.

Maintain a long-term perspective and resist the temptation to make impulsive or emotional decisions. This may involve avoiding overreacting to short-term market fluctuations, and sticking to a disciplined investment strategy even during times of market volatility. By investing in a diverse portfolio and maintaining a long-term perspective, you can increase the potential for financial growth and stability, helping you achieve your financial goals with greater ease and success.

Read Also: 7 Ideas to Diversify Your Sources of Income

8. Seeking Out Opportunities for Growth and Development

Continuously expanding your knowledge and skills can help you stay ahead of the curve, increase your marketability and achieve greater success in your chosen field.

Whether it's taking on new projects, mentorship, or enrolling in training programs, actively seeking out opportunities for growth and development can help you stay motivated and focused, and achieve new levels of success.

To do this, be proactive and take initiative. Also, maintain a balance between seeking out opportunities for growth and other areas of life, such as work, family, and leisure. This may involve setting realistic expectations, prioritizing self-care and relaxation, and seeking support from friends and family. By seeking out opportunities for growth and development in a balanced and intentional manner, you can achieve personal and professional success, and reach new heights of personal and professional fulfillment.

9. Quitting Harmful Habits, Networks, and Relationships

Negative habits, networks, and relationships can limit your potential, hold you back, and prevent you from reaching your full potential. Whether it's unhealthy habits, toxic relationships, or limiting mindsets, quitting them can help you clear the path toward personal and professional growth.

To effectively quit, identify the factors holding you back and take intentional steps to break free. 

This may involve seeking out support from friends, family, or professional resources, creating a clear plan for change and developing new habits that support your goals. 

10. Traveling, Pursuing a Passion, and Seeking Out New Experiences

Doing these can play an important role in achieving personal and professional goals. 

These experiences can provide new perspectives, broaden horizons and help you develop new skills and interests. Whether it's traveling to new destinations, pursuing a hobby or interest, or taking on new challenges, these experiences can help you grow, both personally and professionally.

Have a clear plan and purpose to effectively use travel, passion, and new experiences to achieve your goals. Be open to new experiences and stay motivated and engaged to gain the most from them.

11. Eating Healthy

A balanced and nutritious diet can improve physical and mental health, increase energy levels, and enhance cognitive function, which can be important for reaching personal and professional goals. 

Whether it's eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing processed foods, or limiting sugar and caffeine, making healthy food choices can help support personal and professional success.

To effectively eat healthily, it's important to have a plan and make smart food choices. This may involve creating a meal plan, preparing healthy meals ahead of time, and making healthy choices when eating out. Additionally, being mindful of portion sizes, reducing snacking, and staying hydrated can help support healthy eating habits.

Maintain balance and avoid falling into the trap of restrictive or extreme diets.

12. Exercising Regularly

Regular exercise is critical for achieving personal and professional goals. 

Regular physical activity can improve physical and mental health, increase energy levels, and enhance cognitive function, which can be important for reaching personal and professional goals. Whatever you choose to do, engaging in regular physical activity can help support personal and professional success by building discipline and endurance.

You could set clear fitness goals, schedule regular workout sessions, and do activities that are enjoyable and sustainable. 

13. Reading Books

Regular reading can improve knowledge, expand perspectives and enhance cognitive function and help support personal and professional success. You can join book clubs or other people with similar interests in books which will enhance your reading experience.

Through this, you could also enlarge your circle of friends as well as bring diversity to yourself by interacting with many different people and perspectives.

Being consistent and persistent in your reading routine can help you stay motivated and on track toward reaching your goals.

14. Keeping a Record of Every Milestone

Whether it's keeping a journal, making a vision board, or creating a spreadsheet, having a record of milestones can help support personal and professional success.

To effectively keep a record of milestones, have a system setting specific and achievable goals, regularly reviewing progress, and celebrating accomplishments. Be consistent and persistent in recording milestones to help you stay motivated and on track toward reaching your goals.

15. Taking Risks

Taking calculated risks can lead to new opportunities, experiences, and growth which can be important for reaching personal and professional goals. 

Whether it's pursuing a new job, starting a business, or trying a new hobby, taking risks can help support personal and professional success.

As it is, you can never really know what lies on the other side of your fear unless you try.

To effectively take risks, be intentional and keep an open mind. Assess potential dangers and benefits, seek advice and guidance, and start by taking small steps before leaping. 

Be open to new experiences, be ready to face failure, and have a growth mindset to successfully navigate.

Read Also: 5 Risks to Take in Your 30s

Wrapping Up

Finally, it's important to maintain balance and avoid overextending yourself or neglecting other areas of life when turning over a new leaf in the book of your life. 

Balancing everything you do in life will be an accelerator towards your achieving personal and professional success, and reaching new heights of personal and professional fulfillment.

As you go forth with your plans, always remember that persistence is key. Even the good Book in Romans 5:3-4 says …that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

However hard it is, keep hope alive!