I’m not one to give unsolicited advice to people. Not co workers. Not friends. Not family. I mostly keep to myself. I’m not a fan of people trying to force their beliefs on to others. No matter how well intentioned they may be. So this isn’t advice. I’m not telling you this will change your life or alter the way you do certain things. I’m sharing with you a mindset I’ve adopted.

I don’t think it’s particularly astonishing to say we’ve all been asked about the things we regret. And we all have things that come to mind that we don’t share, for various reasons. My new mindset aims to eliminate those things from my life.

I’ll never want to ask myself “What if…?” again. I’m serious. I’d rather face rejection or fail at something or experience defeat than simply avoid taking a chance. Because when we avoid risk or chance, then what are we really doing? We’re sticking to routine, what we know best. And guess what? That’s easy. That’s how we can have a good job and close friends and family and STILL be miserable. Because we’re too busy not taking any chances. I refuse.

If I have a question at work I should know the answer to but don’t, I’m asking for help. If I have the opportunity to travel, I’m taking it. If a girl appears in my life and I want to know if she wants what I want, I’m asking. If a job opportunity opens up at my company or elsewhere and I feel I’d be a great candidate, I’m applying.

These are just a few examples. I plan on carrying this into every aspect of my life. Why? Because taking a chance or risking failure is much less damaging than never doing so.

We’ll be faced with tough decisions. But they don’t always have to be agonizing.