Turning 40 is a milestone. It often comes with a quiet sense of reflection. You may feel the pressure of time, the weight of choices, or the sense that some things slipped by unnoticed. You’re not alone.
While you can’t change the past, you can learn from the patterns that many others wish they had noticed sooner. This list isn’t here to make you feel bad. It’s here to inspire gentle action. Every regret is a lesson in disguise.
Here are 20 common regrets people in their 40s (and beyond) often share and simple steps you can take to address them starting today.
1. Not Taking Care of Their Health Sooner
- Skipping exercise, poor diet, and chronic stress add up fast
- Fix it: Start walking daily, drink more water, cut processed food
2. Working Too Much
- Many people realize they missed out on living while chasing income
- Fix it: Set work boundaries, schedule fun, use vacation days
3. Letting Friendships Fade
- Close friends often drift apart quietly after kids or careers take over
- Fix it: Message an old friend today, schedule a call or coffee
4. Not Saying “I Love You” Enough
- People regret not expressing love when they had the chance
- Fix it: Say it now. Text, call, or write it. Simple and powerful.
5. Ignoring Mental Health
- Bottled-up stress, anxiety, or sadness catches up over time
- Fix it: Talk to someone, journal regularly, or seek counseling if needed
6. Staying in a Job They Disliked
- Comfort and fear often keep people stuck in unfulfilling roles
- Fix it: Start exploring options. Update your resume. Take small steps.
7. Not Traveling More
- Time and money feel like barriers, but memories last longer than stuff
- Fix it: Plan a short trip, even a weekend nearby. Don’t wait.
8. Avoiding Financial Planning
- Many hit 40 with no savings, no plan, and plenty of stress
- Fix it: Track your spending. Open a retirement account. Learn one thing today.
9. Holding Grudges
- Bitterness often weighs heavier than forgiveness
- Fix it: Let go for your own peace. You don’t have to reconcile, just release.
10. Not Learning New Skills
- Growth stalls when you stop being curious
- Fix it: Take a free course, try a new hobby, read a book outside your comfort zone
11. Neglecting Their Spiritual Life
- Many wish they had taken time for deeper reflection
- Fix it: Try prayer, meditation, or just quiet time alone with your thoughts
12. Not Documenting Life Moments
- Few people say, “I wish I took fewer pictures.”
- Fix it: Take more photos, write little notes, keep a journal
13. Saying Yes Too Often
- People often regret overcommitting and people-pleasing
- Fix it: Practice saying no. Protect your time and energy
14. Not Saying Yes Enough
- Some missed chances, fun events, or bold decisions come from fear
- Fix it: Say yes to something that excites or scares you, just a little
15. Not Being Present
- Rushing through life means missing the moments that matter
- Fix it: Slow down. Put your phone away. Notice what’s around you.
16. Letting Fear Decide
- Fear of failure, rejection, or change can silently guide decisions
- Fix it: Acknowledge fear, then choose action anyway in small ways
17. Not Prioritizing Their Marriage or Partnership
- Relationships often drift when not actively nurtured
- Fix it: Have an honest talk, plan a date night, express appreciation
18. Comparing Themselves to Others
- Social media and success stories distort reality
- Fix it: Focus on your values, progress, and unique strengths
19. Not Spending Enough Time with Parents
- Time with aging parents becomes more precious each year
- Fix it: Call them, visit, ask about their stories
20. Waiting for the “Perfect Time”
- Many plans never happen because the timing never feels right
- Fix it: Start messy. Start now. There’s power in imperfect action.
Final Thoughts
Life after 40 isn’t too late. It’s often when real clarity begins.
If you see yourself in any of these, don’t let it become a list of regrets for your 50s or 60s. Pick one. Take a small action today.
The best time to start was years ago. The second-best time is now.
