We often say that regrets come later in life. After all the things we have done in the past - whether beneficial or not, it's always the latter part do we realize if we fared good or bad. 

I too have my share of what-ifs and should-haves. But as much as I can, I don't let these things spoil what I can become. I know that no one can turn back the hands of time so we just have to make the most of what we have now. 

However, there are times when I look back and tell myself, "I wish I have known about this earlier!". Here are some of them.

That it's OK to take risks

I wanted to be sure most of the time. Instead of carving my own path, I go where people have already walked. When I was younger, I am not a fan of taking "the road less traveled." I thought since many have tried this path, then it would be safer and easier. 

Yet taking the easy path means shying away from new discoveries and adventures. Plus, like in investing parlance, the higher the risks, the higher the returns. I wonder where would I be now if I took risks in the past? 

To save earlier

I've been hearing about compound interests while I was in college. We even spent a lot of time learning about it in Mathematics of Investment. But I rarely gave a thought about it. Only until when I am paying for my own bills and scurrying for additional sources of income for major life decisions have I realized that I wish I have started saving earlier - and compound interests could be my greatest tool! 

I know young people, as early as high school and college, venturing into investments and financial instruments I haven't given much thought about when I was younger. Generational privileges? Maybe. But good for them. Better days ahead. 

To specialize in my chosen field

It took me long years before I finally embraced my calling. I know in my heart that I wanted to be in the ministry since I was young. But instead of looking ahead in one direction, I made several detours in life. 

I was once a preschool teacher, a BPO employee, and accounting staff. When given a chance to take my theological training, I did not think about taking it continuously. It took me longer than I suppose to. And now that I'm planning to enroll in graduate studies, I look back and realize that I wish I have taken this earlier. I have plenty of time before and I wasted them doing other stuff. 

If you have heard about being a "jack-of-all-trades, master of none," I consider myself one. I wanted to know everything. But I'm wondering what difference it would do if I specialized only on one goal.

To invest in yourself

I consider myself an all-out person. I sacrifice a lot for friends and loved ones. But sometimes, I think there were times when it seemed I neglected myself. I rarely buy clothes and shoes for myself. I wear the same set of shirts (because I'm after comfort than fashion), and seldom buy things for entertainment or pleasure. The only things I buy for myself are books. But when it comes to my family, I give everything I can give. 

Bonus: To invest in Bitcoin

This is a major what-if in life. I learned about Bitcoin during its early days and did not give it much thought. I wonder if I purchased Bitcoins back then? I can only imagine!