Top 10 Regrets for Men: How to Use the Regret Compass to Change Your Life
It’s not hard to find advice this time of year.
Every expert is shouting about goals, morning routines, and productivity hacks.
Giving up booze for a month.
Lacing your coffee with mushroom powder.
Downloading the latest app to slide into a “pure focus” state.
These things are helpful.
And if you try one or all of them, great.
But I’d like you to take a different approach this year.
Ask yourself this:
What will I regret most if nothing changes this year?
This is what I call the Regret Compass.
What Is the Regret Compass?
The Regret Compass is a simple way to assess where your life is heading and identify what’s worth fixing.
It forces you to think about the regrets that could haunt you in the next 5, 10, or 20 years.
Most men don’t think about these things until it’s too late.
But if you take the time to reflect, you can make sure those regrets don’t become your reality.
Here are the Top 10 Regrets for Men, based on years of working with men through coaching, masterminds, and life evaluation quizzes.
1. Wasting years in the wrong job
You spend 40+ hours a week doing something you hate, for a boss you don’t respect, just to pay the bills.
One day, you look back and realise: I never went after what I really wanted.
2. Letting your health slip until it’s too late
Your belly grows, your energy tanks, and you keep saying, “I’ll sort it next month.”
Then the doctor calls: high blood pressure, diabetes, or worse. Suddenly, it’s about survival, not just looking good.
3. Losing touch with close mates
You had solid friendships in your 20s. Now, it’s the occasional ‘like’ on Facebook.
But when you need someone to talk to? The connection’s gone, and you feel alone.
4. Failing to chase a big dream
That book you wanted to write. The business idea that fired you up. The adventure you always talked about.
You kept putting it off until life got in the way—and suddenly, time’s run out.
5. Staying in a relationship that doesn’t work
You knew it wasn’t right, but fear of being alone kept you stuck.
Now you’re resentful, bitter, and wondering where the years went.
6. Sacrificing family for career
You told yourself, It’s for the family.
But all those late nights and missed moments? They cost you the connection with the people who matter most.
7. Not standing up for yourself
Whether it’s your boss, your mates, or your partner, you’ve stayed silent to avoid conflict.
Now, all you feel is frustration—at them and yourself.
8. Avoiding risks out of fear
You had a bold idea. A big move you wanted to make. But the “what ifs” kept you stuck.
Now, you’re left wondering what might have been.
9. Settling for ‘average’ when you wanted more
You told yourself a comfortable life was enough.
But deep down, you know you’re capable of more—more success, more adventure, more connection.
10. Never figuring out what truly matters
You chased money, status, and shiny toys, thinking they’d make you happy.
But even with all the “stuff,” you feel empty, haunted by questions like Why am I here?
How to Use the Regret Compass
Write It Down
Which of these regrets hits you the hardest? Write it down.
It’s not about beating yourself up—it’s about clarity.Flip the Script
Ask yourself: What can I do today to stop this regret from becoming my story?
It doesn’t need to be a massive transformation. It could mean calling a mate, hitting the gym, or brainstorming your big idea.Take Action
Small steps create momentum. Consistency beats perfection. Start moving, one day at a time.
What’s Your Next Step?
Don’t wait until it’s too late to look at where you’re heading.
Use the Regret Compass to guide your next steps.
And if you’re feeling stuck, take my Life Evaluation Quiz—it’s quick, practical, and designed to help you figure out what’s holding you back.
Don’t let this year become another year of regrets.
Rewrite your story, starting now.
And remember, the world needs strong men.
Be one of them.
Anthony
Director - Whole Man Academy