When the Disappointment Turns Into Fuel

Regret hurts.

In life we don’t just have our resumes for job applications. We have resumes for how we live our lives.

We have the successes (some of those are on the resumes).

We have the failures (not on resume).

Then we have the Giant Almosts in between the successes and failures.

Photo by Jon Asato on Unsplash

The Giant Almosts

The Giant Almosts are all the events where we wish we had of said yes and gone for it.

We all have Giant Almosts on our life resumes.

• The time I almost sent that application in.
• The time I almost made that big purchase.
• The time I almost went to that event.
• The time I almost made that phone call.
• The time I almost spoke to that person.
• The time I almost started working on my dream.
• The time I almost went on that trip.
• The time I almost signed up for that free course.

This week I had a opportunity. That if it had of been successful it would of been an amazing adventure. It would've taught me alot and would of impacted me greatly.

The problem. I let the time run out on the application. I intentionally let the deadline for submission pass by.

The application was done. All I had to do was to hit submit.

I couldn’t convince myself that if I was successful I would be able to figure everything out.

I would have to figure out how to get a lot of time off from work. I couldn’t convince myself how I would be able to afford the flights, hotels, and other expenses. I couldn’t convince myself how but I want it.

The logical side of me won.

I want to be able to pay for all the expenses not covered by the opportunity myself. It would of been a struggle for every dollar. I would of figured it out. I would of double downed on what I can control.

Just maybe the logical side of me wins too often.

The worst part is that it was just an application. Not an approval. Just an “Hi, I’m interested!”

I didn’t apply. The application could of easily been rejected. Or it could of been successful. I’ll never know.

Our Giant Almosts define us.

They are the decisions where we have to choose how we respond to not doing them. We can throw in the towel. Give up. Live the rest of our lives with regret. Or we can do everything required so we can jump at the next opportunity with confidence.

• The next time the application opens up. Apply
• The next time that big purchase is an opportunity. Be prepared to buy.
• The next time that event or a similar event comes up. Be willing to go
• The next time. Go.

Saying you want it vs saying you really want it.

When you realize a Giant Almost happens take time to figure out why you said no.

• Did you panic?
• Did you back away because it would (maybe) create conflict?
• Did you not know enough about the opportunity?
• Did you think you couldn’t afford it?
• Did you not want to upset someone?
• Did you think you were not good enough for it?

There’s many reasons why you said no. What is the reason why you said no to a big opportunity that could of changed your life for the better?

Next question:
Did you want it or did you really want it? There is a difference.

A “want it” is a mundane acceptance of an opportunity. It’s agreeing to something because it will help you but not drastically improve your life. It’s adding that extra item to your shopping cart that you want but if you didn’t buy your life would still be the same.

A “really want it” is excitement. It is knowing within every part of you that if this passes by you’ll be disappointed. It is knowing this could make you happy and positively change your life. It’s that toy you really wanted for your birthday when you turned eight.

So did you want it or did you really want it?

You might say everyone who really wants something should say yes to that opportunity without hesitation. I do not think this is true for everyone. I think some people overthink. They think so much that the logical side of themselves takes over the choice.

The Obstacle is the Way

Why did I say no to that opportunity I had? Even though there was no guarantees I would even make the short list.

I said no because how could I justify the expenses for the training and then the actual event when I have been back and forth on buying the equipment I need today. Among other items, I have been back and forth on buying a laptop. A laptop would make me mobile. Being mobile means I could produce more.

If I had of applied I would still need that laptop. If I had of been successful I would of seriously needed it.

I do tend to overthink a lot of decisions. Trying to wait for that perfect time (never comes). Trying to find the best deal. Trying to make sure I buy the right one.

Here’s the problem I am the obstacle that is in my own way.

The perfect time to buy is never going arrive. It’s the perfect time at the time I purchase.

Waiting for the sale is not a good choice. Because it is going to cost me time and money by waiting. It the wait really worth it?

Now What?

I am disappointed I let the opportunity pass me by. I know I want it. I know it will come around again next year.

So now what do I do?

I use my disappointment as fuel.

I learn more about what is involved in the opportunity so I am more confident when I do apply next year. Then I can say on the application I have experience that is directly related to the activities.

I get out of my own way.

Buy the equipment I need so I can produce more. So I can move forward and start seriously building a side-income that will change my life. Also so I have a steady income that will enable me to pursue this opportunity fully. Next time the application opens up I will have income that is steady and strong enough that I will not have to worry about finances.

I know I could have figured it out. But the logical side my mind won. And I regret not sending that application in. I am not going to regret it twice.

What is one Giant Almost that you would rather pursue than live with regret of not trying? Start doing what you need to do so at the next opportunity you can go for it with confidence.

By the way, even though I qualify for payments on my stories I have decided to stop. I want to help those who are like me. Who are on the starting line and need someone to show them it is possible. I want them to have access to stories that can inspire them to keep going. If you are able and wish to support me, you can do so through buymeacoffee.com/cliffviewlife. Thank you. (Yes, I drink coffee!)

Rebecca Scott is Creating content about life lessons that will lead to success

I’d rather regret the things I’ve done

than regret the things I haven’t done.

~ Lucille Ball