We all make mistakes from time to time. The good news is, just because you make a mistake, doesn’t mean you’re doomed for the rest of your life.
However, there is a big difference between ordering dessert when you shouldn’t have and making decisions that will affect your life for years to come.
No one sets out to make these mistakes on purpose, but they often get made anyway. Here are five mistakes that are painfully common, but when avoided, will make life a lot smoother.
“We all make mistakes from time to time.
The good news is, just because you make a
mistake, doesn’t mean you’re doomed
for the rest of your life.”
Drinking and Driving
Going out and having a few drinks is common among adults. Unfortunately, it’s also common that everyone drives themselves home.
It can be extremely difficult to know if you’ve had a bit too much to drink. Not to mention, most people overestimate their ability to focus on the road when they have been drinking.
Getting caught drinking and driving will greatly impact your life. It will affect your ability to drive in the future, and it can cost you thousands of dollars.
It’s a good idea to know your rights when you get pulled over for a probable DUI, but you can save yourself the trouble if you don’t drink and drive in the first place. Call a cab, get an Uber, or go out with a designated driver.
Making the Wrong College Decision
For many students, it’s a given that they will attend college right after high school. That can be a huge mistake.
College isn’t always worth it. Because it can be so expensive, many degrees simply aren’t worth the investment because you won’t make enough to cover your loan payments after you graduate. Entering the workforce or learning a trade may be a better decision for some.
Choosing the wrong college major can be a huge mistake as well. Not only will you end up paying tens of thousands of dollars for a degree you shouldn’t have gotten, you’ll find yourself in a career you hate, or you will end up going back to school so you can switch careers.
Instead, take your time deciding if college is the right choice for you, and if so, what you want to study when you’re accepted.
Marrying the Wrong Person
Many people dream of finding their soulmate, getting married, and spending a lifetime with the love of their lives. The lure of romantic love can be so powerful that some people end up marrying the wrong person.
After the honeymoon period wears off, you may find yourself with an unsupportive spouse who stunts your personal growth instead of supporting it. Not to mention, marrying the wrong person usually means getting divorced, which can take a lot of time and cost a lot of money. It’s better not to get married at all than to marry the wrong person.
Not Facing Finances Head-On
It’s common for people to avoid their finances. Money comes with a lot of anxiety, but not facing that anxiety head-on can cause some huge problems down the road.
Credit card debt, unpaid student loans, and not saving for retirement will set you up to live paycheck to paycheck for the rest of your life.
It’s always much better to face the music and come up with a plan, no matter how bleak your situation. Even if it takes you a decade to dig yourself out, you’ll be glad you did when those 10 years are up.
Not Taking Risks
You may think playing it safe is the best way to live a comfortable life, but it turns out, taking risks is what leads some of us to be more successful than others.
Instead, take risks and reap the rewards that include:
- Unforeseen opportunities often arise when you get outside your comfort zone.
- It can boost your confidence and help you stand out from the crowd.
- You can learn powerful lessons from risks, even if you fail.
- The only way to overcome the fear of failure is to take risks.
- Most success only comes from taking risks.
It isn’t the end of the world if you make one of these mistakes, but life will be a lot easier if you find ways to avoid them in the first place. Whether that means taking a year off to decide if college is right for you or it means saying no to a marriage proposal, you’ll be glad you took the time to think carefully about the direction you want to take with your life.
What key mistakes have you tried to avoid in our life?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
5