Things you don't want to regret in your 40s

They say youth is wasted on the young, but I'm here to prove them wrong! If you scour the internet, you'll find a treasure trove of wisdom from those who've already conquered adulthood, and they're willing to share their secrets.

So, grab your notepad and let's uncover the keys to living your best life before you're officially "adulting." All you must do is heed their advice. In this article, I've highlighted some of my favorite insights which I hope adds value to you.

Fact-check: Scientists have indeed found that self-compassion can lead to greater success. Research suggests that when you cut yourself some slack and embrace your imperfections, you're more likely to learn from your mistakes instead of engaging in a one-person insult match.

Now, as for self-compassion exercises, one of them involves treating yourself as you would treat a friend or a colleague who has goofed up big time. I mean, imagine if your best buddy couldn't find their left sock in the morning – you'd probably say something like, "Hey, it happens to the best of us. Let's try the sock treasure hunt again, shall we?" So, why not show yourself the same kindness and say, "This is really hard right now, but I'll conquer that sock dilemma one day"? After all, if your sock has an adventurous spirit, who are you to stand in its way, right?

Saying "no" gracefully is a skill worth mastering, especially in the early stages of your career. After all, it's essential to prioritize people and experiences that truly matter to you. But, fear not, there's a way to decline without coming off as a professional party pooper.

Here's a quick tip for turning down an invitation without sounding like the world's most antisocial hermit: Keep it simple and use words like, "It sounds great, but I think I'll pass this time." That way, you maintain your social status without overextending yourself.

Now, when it comes to telling your boss that you can't possibly handle another assignment, it's all about finesse. According to national workplace expert Lynn Taylor, you can pull off a masterful balancing act by saying something like: "I would be happy to do that project, but what that could mean is that [whatever other project you're working on] will have to be put off until tomorrow, because I was actually going to spend the next three hours finishing that proposal. Would you like me to put that off?"

And there you have it, folks! Politely saying no, the art of preserving your sanity while keeping your boss's hair un-grayed.

Fact-check: Indeed, taking risks can lead to some of the most thrilling and transformative experiences in your life. It's like being handed a box of chocolates - sometimes, you get a delicious truffle, and other times, you bite into a surprise caramel-filled disaster. Either way, you'll have stories that'll leave your friends in stitches during your 40s.

Picture this: You're in your prime, bursting with energy, courage, and spirit. It's like having a supercharged cosmic battery with the fearlessness of a teenager and the wisdom of someone who knows they should definitely wear sunscreen. So, why not take the leap? You might just land among the stars.

And don't talk yourself out of doing things you want to do. Let's be real; fear is just a pesky mosquito in your camping adventure through life. You want to jet off to Europe? Pack your bags and do it! Fancy that hot person across the bar? Go and strike up a conversation (just be smooth, not creepy). Dream of starting your own business? Well, that's what Google and a heap of coffee are for - research, research, research.

Remember, you don't want to be sipping your latte in your 40s, looking back with a string of regrets longer than a CVS receipt. So, go out there, take those risks, and make sure your life story reads like an epic adventure novel, with a fair share of plot twists and daring escapades!

Fact-check: Negotiating your way to a better salary is no joke. According to Business Insider's dynamic duo Tanza Loudenback and Skye Gould, your starting salary negotiation (and future negotiations) can potentially mean the difference of a whopping $1 million in your lifetime earnings. That's right, folks, we're talking about enough dough to build a mansion made entirely of pizza!

But hold on, you don't want to go into your first salary negotiation with the grace of a bull in a china shop, do you? Here's the secret sauce: Research. Know the ballpark figure for your position so you can elegantly dance around the negotiation table without stepping on any toes.

And remember, it's not just the salary that's up for negotiation. You can also inquire about performance bonuses, equity options, medical aid premiums, and even help on relocating for the job. Just imagine your future boss offering to fly you in on a private jet, complete with a personal masseuse – hey, you never know until you ask, right?

So, keep that negotiation wand polished, and watch your career and your bank account flourish with each tactful and polite discussion!

Ah, the chilling horror of debt, that relentless budget-buster! We all know the stories of grown-ups wishing they'd managed their finances better. Some debt is inescapable, like rainy days, but those credit card escapades? They're like a clingy party guest who never knows when to leave.

Let's admit it; those credit card follies can haunt your wallet like a bad ghost story. And before the stork delivers bundles of joy, why not jet off on some epic international adventures with your partner in crime? Get those passport stamps and create unforgettable memories.

If financial regret is weighing you down, go on a cash-only diet. It's like detox for your wallet! Say goodbye to plastic and hello to actual paper money. Who knew dollar bills could be so liberating?

Let's make a deal – save the credit cards for practical stuff like socks and laundry detergent, not whimsical inflatables. Being financially savvy doesn't mean you can't have fun – it means you'll be grinning all the way to the bank.

A wise Redditor named Rohri Calhoun once dropped a truth bomb we should all heed: "Don't burn your bridges." Whether it's personal or professional, you'll encounter moments when you'll need to be all buddy-buddy with people from your past for various reasons. The last thing you want is someone thinking, "Ugh, that person?" just because of a petty or avoidable falling out.

This advice is especially golden when it's time to bid adieu to your job. As the renowned national workplace guru Lynn Taylor points out, if your new gig is in the same industry or city, you'll likely cross paths with your former boss and co-workers again. Or, even worse, your old boss might spill the beans to your new boss if they're pals. So, keep it classy, folks!

After all, life's an unpredictable rollercoaster, and you never know when you'll need to hop back on the bridge of amicability to save the day. So, don't just spare your bridges, polish them!

Here's a tale of a classic "I wish I'd known better" moment: "I wish I had taken better care of myself. Instead, I let my weight sneak up on me, ignored a few dental woes, and let my finances go on a rollercoaster. Now, I'm 31, and while these issues aren't dire, they're an annoying party crasher in my life."

The truth is, it's like managing a garden – it's easier to tend to those vibrant flowers when they're just budding rather than dealing with a jungle of weeds. You see, weight management is more manageable when you're younger, and you're still likely to be in touch with your body's nutritional cravings.

So, let's not become couch potatoes just yet. Keep moving, watch what you eat, and don't neglect those pearly whites. And remember, financial health is as vital as any other; so, plan and save like your future self is a VIP guest at your party!

One invaluable nugget of wisdom to treasure: Focus on building and nurturing your friendships. Life isn't just about partying every night; it's about creating memorable moments with your closest pals, whether you're embarking on grand adventures or having a chill evening at home.

But here's the thing, it's okay to give some friendships the ol' heave-ho. Fair-weather friends, like fair-weather fashion, aren't worth your time. Stay fiercely loyal to those who truly matter and invest your time and energy in them.

According to the remarkable human-behavior researcher Vanessa Van Edwards, it's a great idea to bid adieu to your "ambivalent friends." These are the jealousy-soaked, undermining, and always uncertain frenemies who love to stir up the stress pot. Trust us; life is so much brighter when you minimize the frenemy drama.

So, let's strike a balance - cherish the friendships that fill your heart and gently let go of those that drain it. After all, life's a journey best traveled with your adventure squad, not with drama queens or kings!

As we navigate the winding path of youth, a treasure trove of advice from those who've journeyed ahead is a precious gift. From mastering self-compassion to savoring life's adventures and safeguarding our well-being, these lessons offer us the keys to unlock a future with fewer "I wish I'd known" moments.

So, let's raise a glass to living our best lives, unearthing the wisdom of age while savoring the thrill of youth. But before we part ways, ponder this:

What's the one piece of advice you'd offer to your future self, ensuring a life of few regrets and boundless joy?