Regrets, I've had a Few!

The idea of living life to the fullest is a mantra for most of us boomer bikers. But, the fact of the matter is that all it takes is a quick glance in the mirror to reveal the single biggest obstacle standing in our way of accomplishing that goal.

Yes, - Ourselves!

The biggest reason is - most of us choose the path of least resistance. We travel the road of life, content to accept the status quo, only to discover as we near our journey's end that we have accumulated a fair amount of regrets along the way.

While its true that what is regrettable varies from person to person, and some things that cause regret are beyond our control, it's also true that it's NEVER too late to alter our personal behavior.

So dump the guilt, get off your butt and become a proactive player in the game of life. Rather than wasting time mulling over past regrets, it's more productive to spend your time planning for you future.

Read on to discover our list of suggestions on how to take control of life and live your dreams as you envision them:

· Make a list of Goals

Focus on something tangible. After all, the more concrete the goal, the harder it is to forget. Without a goal, the months and years will simply slip through your fingers.

· Get a plan

Develop a solid plan for your future endeavors. It doesn't need to be too detailed, but put them in writing. Long-term goals, such as travel plans, getting a raise at work or finishing that book you've been intending to write. Then post your list somewhere visible or somewhere you can review them often. This way, your future goals will become ingrained in your mind, and you'll stay focused on completing them.

· Break it Down

Break you long-term goals into smaller short-term tasks. Smaller tasks are more manageable and attainable. Select the easier tasks to accomplish first; this way you'll build success and the momentum you'll need to tackle the more difficult ones. Successfully completing each of these smaller tasks will keep you moving forward and on your way to the completion of that huge goal you thought you'd never meet.

· Build Yourself Up

As you begin to enjoy the success from your short-term tasks, take a moment to remind yourself of what you've already accomplished and relish in that success. Success breeds the motivation to tackle the harder stuff. Just remember, you're only human and besides, harboring negative feelings about ones past failures seems out-of-place now.

· Take Note (s) and be a Good Student

Learning from past mistakes is a powerful way to enrich your life. Don't be discouraged; treat those hard knocks as a valuable lesson. This way, you'll know exactly what to do to avoid making the same mistake the next time around.

· Keep in Touch

Make a vow to keep in touch with the people who are important to you. Now that you're retired, personal relationships take on greater importance. Devote the time it takes to maintain friendships. As your life slows down, you'll be glad you've invested the time to maintain these valued friendships.

· Trash the Dead Weight

Don't surround yourself with anyone you perceive as a roadblock to your future. If that person brings you down, or drives you crazy, sever the relationship and don't look back. However, be frugal when making those types of decisions. Know when to cut the ties with those relationships that you choose to ditch. Remember, those who drive you crazy now may be very good for you later on. It's divine to be fair and forgiving, but if you get burned more than once by the same guy, it may be better to leave him to his own devices.

· Keep Yourself Grounded

Never allow your growing success to make you too big for your britches. Keep little reminders of what you've accomplished and where you're going all around you. If your dream is to ride the length of Baja on a motorcycle, hang a map of the Mexican Peninsula on your refrigerator. See the future! Keep one eye on what you're doing now and the other on your future self. Remember? Its just you and the wife enjoying life, riding your motorcycle and exploring the Baja.

And above all

· Treasure Your Time

Living a great life on your own terms is an enviable goal; it's also a very accomplishable goal if you are able to implement this list of suggestions. Remember: Achieving your goals should be rewarding every step of the way, not just at the end. Make sur

e while planning your future, you enjoy life in the present. There's nothing that causes more regret than letting the good times slip by.

(BIG FINISH!!!.....)

So, keep your eyes open to the world around you, take advantage of opportunities that come your way and sing along with me...

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, Ill say it clear,
Ill state my case, of which Im certain.

Ive lived a life thats full.
Ive traveled each and evry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, Ive had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, Im sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

Ive loved, Ive laughed and cried.
Ive had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!

My Way" is a song with lyrics written by Paul Anka and popularized by Frank Sinatra. The melody is a French song "Comme d'habitude" composed by Claude François and Jacques Revaux. Anka's English lyrics are unrelated to the original French by Claude François and Gilles Thibaut.

Who knows, by instituting this week's series of tips, the lyrics of "Ole Blue Eyes" theme song might someday, in the not too distant future, quite elequently discribe your life too!

See ya next week!