Every decision you make today shapes the life you’ll live tomorrow—and the regrets you might carry with you. According to Entrepreneur magazine editor Jason Feifer, one powerful way to reduce regret and increase productivity is to set a daily intention based on what your future self would want you to do. In his article,“A Daily Habit That Increases Productivity”, Feifer suggests visualizing the future version of yourself at the end of each day and asking: “What would make you proud I did today?” That simple practice bridges the gap between present-moment decisions and long-term satisfaction—and can help minimize regret in the future.

Regret isn’t just an occasional emotional hiccup—it’s one of the most common and deeply felt emotions we face. In his book The Power of Regret, author Daniel Pink explores a sweeping body of research and concludes that our biggest regrets tend to come from not taking action, especially when the missed opportunities are tied to bold goals, relationships, or long-term aspirations. A major global study Pink references found that more than 80% of people have lingering regrets—and the most common theme wasn’t failure, but inaction. As Pink writes, “Regret is not dangerous or abnormal. It is healthy and universal. Regret is also valuable. It clarifies what we value and teaches us how to live better.”

Why the Future-You Matters

One of the most powerful ways to avoid regret is to get to know your future self. Studies show that the more connected we feel to our future selves, the more likely we are to make long-term choices that align with our values and goals. A Stanford study led by Hal Hershfield found that people who visualize and emotionally connect to their future selves make significantly better financial and health decisions (source).

That’s why forward-looking habits—like journaling as your future self, recording a message for your 80-year-old self, or using AI apps likeFable orFutureMe—can guide today’s actions with clarity. When you align your choices with the person you hope to become, you stop living reactively and start creating a legacy that feels intentional.

Take Informed Risks

There are two choices in life: take informed risks that move you toward a better life—or cling to what feels safe and risk losing it anyway. Psychologists refer to this as risk aversion bias, the tendency to avoid decisions that might lead to loss. But avoiding risks often leads to bigger regrets than taking them. As Pink’s research confirms, we’re far more likely to regret missed chances than bold moves that didn’t work out.

Ask yourself: Are you living according to what’s easiest now or what will matter most later? Whether it’s changing careers, opening your heart again, or traveling the world, regret tends to show up when we silence our inner desire for more. Don’t wait for a “safe time” that may never arrive. Progress often requires courage more than certainty.

Action Steps to Reduce Regret

1. Journal with your future self in mind.
 Each morning, ask: What will make my future self proud today? And each evening, reflect: What did I do today that honored the life I want to live?

2. Use future-self tools.
 Apps likeFutureMe allow you to write emails to yourself in 1, 5, or even 10 years. This habit builds long-term thinking.

3. Build a “regret dashboard.”
 Make a list of decisions you’ve been delaying. For each, ask: If I don’t do this, how might I feel in 5 years? Choose the one that feels most urgent to your future well-being.

4. Watch the regrets of others.
 TheTop Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware reveals timeless wisdom. Spoiler alert: People rarely regret working more hours—but they often regret not being more authentic, loving, and adventurous.

5. Seek accountability.
 Work with a coach, join a peer group, or use a goal-tracking app likeCoach.me to act on decisions that matter to your future self.

Ready to Live Regret-Free?

To live a fulfilling 100-year life, don’t let fear drive your decisions—let purpose do it. Make choices today that honor the life you want to be proud of tomorrow. “We can be free from regret—not by avoiding risk, but by embracing the right ones.”

Let’s Talk: Your Turn to Reflect

What’s one choice your future self is urging you to make today?
 What have you been avoiding that you know you’ll regret if you don’t act soon?
 How can you build a daily habit that keeps you aligned with who you want to become?

We want to hear your insights, challenges, and bold steps. Join the conversation in theAge Brilliantly Forum and connect with others who are designing regret-free futures, one courageous choice at a time.