What do the dying most regret?
Start acting now to prevent future regrets.
The regrets of people on their deathbed show us what truly matters in life and what we risk losing if we wait too long to live fully. To avoid ending up with the same regrets, ask yourself:
🤔 What do the dying most regret?
We can change how we see what matters most by taking an outside view through the regrets of people at the end of their lives. Their experiences reveal what matters to many and what we might put off or neglect. Reflecting on them helps us make choices that keep us from facing the same regrets on our own death beds by living in alignment with our core values and purpose.
Across many accounts and studies, certain regrets appear again and again. People repeatedly say they wish they had:
👉 Spent more time and made more effort with loved ones, especially with their children while they were young and with their romantic partners, being fully present with family and friends
👉 Lived a life true to themselves, sharing their feelings instead of staying quiet to avoid conflict, following their own path instead of the life others expected of them, and worrying less about what others thought
👉 Pursued a career they loved instead of choosing what seemed practical or higher-paying, following work that felt meaningful to them
👉 Focused on what truly brought them joy, whether that was hobbies, travel, or simple daily pleasures
👉 Taken more education or training that could have given them better financial stability, improved physical health, more stable relationships, and greater opportunities
The regrets of the dying act as a wake-up call, urging us to focus on what truly matters before it is too late.
Assess your own life against them and identify the area where the gap is greatest or most important, whether it is your relationships with loved ones, expressing yourself honestly, pursuing meaningful work, focusing on what brings you joy, or investing in learning and growth. Focus on that area first. Then take small, deliberate steps each day, gradually strengthening that part of your life and adjusting your priorities. Once you feel progress in one area, move on to the next, building your life step by step.
Do not wait until the end to see what truly counts. Live deliberately to prevent regrets later.
