Do the Things: Because Regret Hurts More Than Failure

We’ve all had experiences we meant to do but kept putting off—whether it’s learning a new skill, taking a trip, or simply making time for something that once brought us joy. But here’s the truth: the longer we wait, the easier it is to let those experiences slip away. And when we look back, we don’t regret the things we tried—we regret the things we didn’t do. That’s exactly why I finally decided to go skiing again after more than 25 years.

For the past couple of years, I’ve been talking about skiing again. It’s been more than 25 years since I’ve hit the slopes, but it’s one of those things I wanted to do again before I thought I was too old or too busy to make it happen. But I never got it done…

And then one of my girlfriends suggested a ski getaway, and I jumped on it!

So, I booked a lesson—because let’s be honest, it had been a while—and I wanted to make sure I could still do the basics. I was excited, a little nervous, but mostly just proud of myself for saying yes to something that had been sitting in the back of my mind for far too long.

And then… well, things were going great and feeling familiar… until they weren’t! Somewhere between the excitement and the execution, I biffed it and sprained my ACL.

Not ideal, obviously.

But here’s the thing—if you asked me if I regret going, if I wished I had just stayed home where it was safe and warm, my answer would be a resounding NO.

Sure, there’s a little discomfort, and the frustration of knowing I won’t be able to actually ski on my upcoming girls’ trip. But you know what would be worse? The regret of not having tried.

I would much rather be icing my knee knowing that I went for it than sitting on the sidelines, forever wondering, What if?

The Power of Taking Chances

Taking chances—whether in adventure, business, relationships, or personal growth—is what keeps us alive. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Trying new things challenges us. It keeps us from falling into the same routine, the same predictable comfort zone where nothing grows. When we take a chance, even when we’re unsure of the outcome, we gain something invaluable: experience.

And experience is never wasted.

Even if you stumble.

Even if you fail.

Even if you get a little bruised—physically or otherwise.

Because here’s the real truth: failure is temporary. A fall is temporary. A sprained knee will heal. But regret? Regret sticks.

Regret lingers in the quiet moments, whispering about the things you could have done, the places you could have gone, the dreams you could have chased. And that? That’s a pain far worse than falling down.

What Happens When You Say Yes

So what happens when you take the chance? When you say yes instead of backing away in fear?

• You build confidence – Every time you push yourself outside your comfort zone, you prove to yourself that you can do hard things.

• You expand your world – Whether it’s a new skill, a new perspective, or a new opportunity, trying something different opens doors you didn’t even know existed.

• You inspire others – When you show up and go after your dreams, you give others permission to do the same.

• You eliminate “what ifs” – You’ll never have to wonder what might have happened if you had just been brave enough to try.

Living Without Regrets

The real question isn’t What if I fail? The real question is What if I never even try?

What if you never start that business you’ve been dreaming of? What if you never travel to that place you’ve always wanted to visit? What if you never take the chance on something that could have changed your life?

Because the reality is, at the end of your life, you won’t remember the times you fell—you’ll remember the moments you went for it.

So, whatever your thing is—whether it’s launching that business, trying a new marketing strategy, speaking on stage, or picking up a hobby you abandoned years ago—do it.

Take the lesson, take the chance, take the fall if you have to. Because falling is temporary. But regret? That’s permanent.

As for me? I plan to get out there again once my knee heals up. Because I refuse to let a setback hold me down… and of course, that brand new ski helmet needs some use! 🤣

Your Turn

What’s something you’ve been putting off because of fear? What’s the thing you want to do but keep talking yourself out of?

Drop it in the comments or hit reply—I’d love to hear about it and cheer you on!

Because life is too short for what ifs.

Now get out there—do the thing.

You might also like…

• No More Guilt: Balancing Business & Family
• Integrated Life: Finding Time to Live Your Dream Life
• Small Business Success: Crafting Business Processes that Work

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Deb Mitzel is Your 17hats Guide—an experienced Small Business Operations Consultant and Coach, as well as a 17hats Implementation Specialist. With a passion for empowering small business owners, Deb specializes in helping clients reclaim their time so they can focus on building businesses that support their personal and professional dreams. Deb believes in creating an Integrated Life—a harmony where your business and personal life work together to serve you best. She knows that with the right systems, strategies, and a little guidance, you can build a business that is a blessing, not a burden. If you’re ready to simplify your processes and maximize your impact with 17hats or other tailored strategies, Deb offers a Free Discovery Call to explore how she can help. Click below to schedule your call and take the first step toward turning your vision into reality.

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