It was just last year when I first heard of Gary Vaynerchuk
No Regrets
Before you watch the video, be aware that it does include foul language. The message itself is extremely powerful however.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had people ask me why I work so hard or how I stay so motivated. I used to be surprised when I’d get these questions, but it’s unfortunately become quite common. It’s only Monday and I’ve already had three people email me this week asking for tips on staying motivated.
Since when did it become so unusual to bust your ass so that you can someday look back on your life without regrets? In my opinion, it should be unusual to live any other way.
Fear
There’s not many things in this world that scare me. With that said, it scares the crap out of me to imagine sitting on my death bed wishing I had done things differently. I’m far from perfect and I’ve made more mistakes than most, but I’ve never been one to hesitate from trying something new or different. I’ve always believed that it’s better to try, fail, and learn than it is to sit and wonder what could have been. The last place I want to see my dreams end up is in a graveyard.
Gary’s Message
Most people will nod their head in agreement as they watch the video above. What most won’t do though is take the time to actually follow Gary’s advice. I suggest otherwise.
You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn by simply talking to someone who is approaching the end of their life. No matter how much you think you know, they have wisdom to share that you’ll never find anywhere else. There’s no book or video in the world that can compare to 80+ years of living on this planet.
Final Thoughts
As an old saying suggests, growing older is a privilege denied to many. Therefore, the next time you see someone who has been fortunate enough to experience that privilege, take a moment to listen and learn from them. Ask them if there is anything they regret.
More often than not, they will share regrets over something they didn’t do, rather than something they did. Take that message to heart so that if someone someday asks you the same, you can answer by saying you did everything that you wanted to do.
That’s all the motivation I’ll ever need to wake up and grind each day.
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“A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” – John Barrymore
Great article Ross. Personally, I am 45 and I have lots of regrets in my life. I need to change that.
At 45 you are very young and at your prime so why not fix or walk away rather than regrets .
Amazing article. Powerful video, short and to the point. Had I not known that I was dead already I would have mourned my loss of life.. – Ota Dokan. That fact that nobody makes it out alive should be motivation enough to pursue every crazy dream we’ve ever had.
3 people emailing on a Monday asking how to stay motivated…if only this shocked me! I’ve had clients do the same thing. They’ll come in, train for a week, and then start talking about how they need more motivation. Of course, I provide the external motivation as a trainer, but the interval motivation is what drives someone. Those that have to ask for ways to get more motivation usually fall off quickly. These people are the “wanters”. They want to do things. They aren’t the “doers” who actually do things!
Absolutely agree! Life is extremely short, and we only get one shot at it, so we might as well make the most of it and give it everything we got.
Couldn’t agree more. You only get one shot at this life, so do whatever it is you want to do and leave no stone un-turned. This post made my day.
Have a good day everyone 🙂
Motivation is so hard for me. I don’t know why but I just seem to get myself to do something. I know I have to do something but videos aren’t enough for me.
After reading an earlier article of yours on how ‘Motivation is Overrated’, I haven’t thought about needing to be motivated to do anything. The article has stuck with me. Whether it’s training, writing, chores, church or parental duties…every time now I ask myself, “Why do I need to be motivated to do this?”
Honestly, since I’ve changed my thinking I feel like motivation is more of a hindrance than it is helpful.
This article is directly linked with motivation. Everything I’ve ever done where I’ve had to just make myself do it, (whether or not I was motivated) I’ve not once regretted. I have enough regrets to fill several lifetimes. But never have I regretted writing that chapter, going to church, training in the evenings, spending time with my kids, finish reading that book, helping friends build resumes, etc.
As it has been implied and/or mentioned several times by Ross throughout the years, the worst thing to do when starting anything/getting stuff done is waiting for motivation.
Force yourself into action, I say. When it comes to exercise and training, the mind will catch up once your body is in motion. Our minds are always tired