Would You Do It All Over Again?

Life is a journey full of twists and turns. Along the way, we make choices that define our paths and build our identities. Some decisions bring success and happiness, while others lead to disappointment and regret. But what if we could hit a reset button and start all over again? Would we take the same paths or venture out on new ones?

This question was posed to me recently by a retired pilot, and it left me pondering for a while. As a right-brain thinker, I contemplated endless possibilities before reaching a conclusion. But then, I realized that my mind was not the one to decide. The answer had to come from instincts – a simple yes, a maybe, or an unappetizing uncertainty that reveals a lot in silence itself.

As I delved deeper into this question, I realized that it can apply to every aspect of life. Relationships, careers, and even material possessions that we cling onto – would we choose them all over again if we were given a second chance? The answers vary from an enthusiastic yes to a reluctant no, depending on the situation. But then, why do we continue doing things that we would not want to do again? What excuses do we give ourselves?

We often list endless excuses – if only things were different, if we had fewer responsibilities, or if someone did not treat us a certain way. However, the more we indulge in excuses, the stronger the web of our situations becomes. We forget that we can have a good excuse or a good result, but not both.

Sometimes, we continue to do things out of obligation to decisions or paths we have chosen. We hold onto our identities, achievements, and failures, and subconsciously let them limit our potential. For example, you may have a fulfilling job, but you introduce yourself as “Marketing Director of ABC Corp and a Harvard graduate.” You cling onto your achievements, feeling unfulfilled in your profession but scared of letting them go. You may continue doing things that no longer define your identity because you are afraid of change.

The truth is, instead of adding to our identity, sometimes these accomplishments become our identity. We need to remember that our failures should not prevent us from upcoming successes, nor should our current success hold us back from venturing into new paths.

We often blame external sources for our current state, but the reality is, our self-imposed restrictions hinder our ability to create change. We need to accept responsibility for our choices and let ourselves alter them to find fulfillment and happiness. We can reset and take an alternate path to reach our destination.

When faced with the question, “Would you do it all over again?” consider your answer. Would you go back and change things or continue with the same path? If you wouldn’t, what excuse do you give to continue doing it? Remember, you cannot have a good excuse and a good result. Embrace change and find fulfillment in new paths.