If you had only 3 months to live could honestly say you have no regrets about your life or the many choices you have made? I have been reading John Izzo’s book “The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die” and the chapter called “Leave No Regrets” grabbed my attention. Why?

15 Years Ago I Came Face To Face With Death

I was diagnosed with a potentially fatal immune disease – and at the time there were no drugs to cure it. I wasn’t expecting a 40th birthday. I was shocked and dazed, despite all the years I had immersed myself in self help psychological counseling and spirituality, nothing prepared me for that kind of trauma.

Miraculously within a few weeks my perspective and outlook changed dramatically. Life was a rare and precious thing to be celebrated and enjoyed everyday. The disease was a gift that helped to change my perspective about life.

Right Before All This Happened I Was Going Through A Rough Time

I had to close my catering business, I was $44,000 in debt, my partner had passed away, I had no clear career path and was driving around the city as a courier. I was stress eating and gaining weight as well as partying and drinking to excess. I was diagnosed with depression, a family trait that I wasn’t aware of at the time.

I Changed My Mind About A Lot Of Things

I challenged old thinking patterns and made decisions based on “now or never.” I grabbed at every opportunity to try new things, travel and meet new people. I No longer gave into depression and moods that plagued me before. I stopped worrying and developed an attitude of optimism in all situations. I adknowledged fear but didn’t invite it in.

For The First Time In My Life I Had Washboard Abs

I didn’t let food cravings, people or situations rule my diet. I just let go of the stories, the complaints about my life and focused on enjoying myself and making the best of it. I even did three bodybuilding shows, ran a marathon and biked like a maniac. I started a personal training business, a massage practice and eventually went on to become one of the top 100 trainers in America with appearances on TV and print media.

As we travel through the middle passage of life into our 50’s and 60’s we start to question what we’ve done so far and what we’ll do with the precious time we have left.

Ask Yourself:

Is What I Am Going To Do Next Something That Will Allow Me To Live Life To The Max Or Will I Regret Not Having Tried?

According to Izzo most people don’t fear death as much as they do regret.

This Applies To Changing Your Body

If you are on the fat loss journey, maintaining weight, trying to develop a new exercise habit or striving to change old habits, write this down as your “Prime Directive.”

Is What I Am About To Do, Or Not Do (As In Blowing Off Your Morning Exercise) Going To Move Me Ahead Or Leave Me With Regret?

Here are a few key points from the book to motivate you:

1. Move towards what you want rather than away from what you fear.
2. The scariest thing is not death but the words “I Wish I Had”
3. Take risks- No one is guaranteed success, but mistakes and failures turn out to be the greatest moments of learning
4. You guarantee failure if you don’t try at all. Playing it safe moves you away from your truest self.
5. Picture yourself in a rocking chair 30 years from now – what will you be saying about your life during your 40’s 50’s and 60’s?

I am writing this not to be morbid or scare you, but as a wake up call to action. If you have tried to lose weight, be healthier or make changes in the past, don’t be afraid to give it one more shot. Jim Hart’s motto – You’re Never Too Late, You’re Never Too Old To Be The Best You Can Be! Don’t go it alone! If you need guidance contact me or get one of the programs I have to support your efforts. What are you waiting for? Live the dream now – have no regrets! The party is just beginning.

Tags: spiritual topics