I know it isn’t the healthiest activity, but I’ve been thinking lately about some things I’d do differently only if I could go back in time. To make this a little more positive, I also asked myself what I am most proud of accomplishing. Try this out for yourself….

How would you finish these sentences?:

  1. If only I could go back to high school, this time I would ______.
  2. I’m most proud of ______ during my high school years.
  3. If only I could go back to college or go for the first time I would ______.
  4. I’m most proud of ______ during my college years or my early 20s.
  5. If only I had known then when my child was born, what I know now I would have ______.
  6. I am most proud of my parenting for ______.
  7. If only I could have chosen a different carer path I would have ______.
  8. I am most proud of the work I did ______.
  9. If only I hadn’t quit ______, by now I’d be a master.
  10. I am most proud of my commitment to ______.

Although it is not productive to concentrate solely upon what you’d do differently if you could go back in time, this is a good mind exercise to help you plan your future goals (no matter what your age). Mistakes are what make us stronger individuals, because that’s how we best learn. (How cliche is that?)

Now that you’ve answered the above questions, think about the expectations you have for your children. Are these expectations what you wish you had for yourself when you were your child’s age? Are they realistic?

Just something to think about.

My answers:

  1. …apply myself and snap out of the bad attitude.
  2. …helping my Mom take care of my younger brother after my Father died.
  3. …embrace all that the campus had to offer by getting more involved in the myriad of activities available to students.
  4. …sticking to it, finishing in 4 years and finding a job right away.
  5. …not worried so much about the little things.
  6. …allowing my child to think for herself, know she is respected and grow into a self-confident adult.
  7. …been a forensic pathologist or an entomologist.
  8. …writing a book and speaking to students.
  9. …speaking and writing French (which I have since completely forgotten).
  10. …my family and personal fitness.

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