Many women know they’d approach things differently if life came with a rewind button. Armed with all the wisdom, experience, and perspective they’ve picked up, here’s what women say they’d rethink if they could go back and do a do-over.
1. Stop Playing It So Safe
There’s nothing like looking back and realizing how many times fear stopped you in your tracks. Many women realize they played it too safe, making “smart” choices instead of pursuing what thrilled them. If they could hit reset, they’d take more risks, chase adventure, and bet on themselves more. Regret has a funny way of sticking with you, especially when it’s about the chances you never took.
2. Prioritize Friendships Over Romance
Friendships sometimes get overlooked when careers, family, and other commitments take center stage. Now, women realize that real friendships are worth every bit of investment. They’d nurture those connections a little more, spend time with friends who add laughter and joy, and create memories together. Life’s better when you have people who support you through everything.
3. Overhaul Their Diet and Self-Care Routine
Health and self-care can easily slip through the cracks when life gets busy. But knowing what they do now, many women would prioritize it. They’d care for themselves how they’d always intended to, embracing movement, good food, and downtime without guilt. They see now that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation for everything else.
4. Set Firmer Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out; they’re about knowing what you’re willing to accept and where you draw the line. Looking back, women wish they’d known how to say “no” without apology to protect their time and energy. If they had another go at it, they’d prioritize boundaries, welcoming people who bring positivity, and leaving others in the dust.
5. Become Financially Independent Earlier
Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it definitely buys freedom. Many women realize they’d have prioritized financial independence from the start if they’d known what they do now. Learning to save, invest, and manage money isn’t just practical—it’s empowering. Being in control of their finances means they’re in control of their own lives, and that’s priceless.
6. Pursue Passions, Not Just Security
The world tells you to follow the “safe” career path, but women who look back realize they’d follow their passion instead. Choosing a career that excites you doesn’t just make the workday easier—it makes life feel more purposeful. With a fresh start, they’d focus on work that lights them up because doing what you love isn’t a luxury but essential.
7. Advocate for Themselves More
Finding your voice can take time, but many women wish they’d done it sooner. If they could go back, they’d stand up for themselves more, push past self-doubt, and make sure their opinions were heard. Confidence grows every time you speak up, and life’s too short to keep quiet about what you believe.
8. Leave Toxic People Behind, Fast
It’s easy to ignore red flags in relationships, only to regret it later. Many women say they’d cut ties with toxic people sooner if they could go back. They’d listen to their gut, trust the warning signs, and make room for healthier connections. After all, life’s too short to spend it with people who drain your energy and add nothing positive to your world.
9. Make Travel a Top Priority
Travel has a way of shifting your perspective, and many women say they’d make it a bigger part of their lives if they had the chance. Instead of waiting for “someday,” they’d prioritize exploring new places and investing in memories rather than things. Travel opens your mind, and they’d embrace every adventure as a chance to grow and learn.
10. Be Kinder to Themselves
Women can be their own harshest critics, often holding onto guilt and overthinking mistakes. If they could go back, they’d be gentler with themselves, letting go of the need to be perfect. Self-compassion makes a huge difference, and if given a do-over, they’d treat themselves with more kindness, understanding that everyone’s allowed to stumble.
11. Pay More Attention to Their Instincts
Instincts have a funny way of knowing what’s best, but it’s easy to overlook them in favor of outside advice. Many women say they’d trust their intuition more if they could start again. They’d let that inner voice guide them without hesitation, understanding now that nobody knows what’s right for you better than you do.
12. Expand Their Knowledge
Knowledge is one of the few things that stays with you forever, and women say they’d prioritize lifelong learning from day one. They’d chase curiosity, learn new skills, and focus on personal growth. Keeping an open mind and a thirst for learning makes life exciting, and they’d make sure it’s a constant part of their journey.
13. Live Without Apology
Trying to meet everyone else’s expectations is exhausting. Looking back, many women realize they’d embrace their authentic selves without worrying so much about it. If they had another shot, they’d live authentically from the start, confident that the people who matter will love them for exactly who they are. Being unapologetically yourself is the ultimate form of freedom.
14. Set Big Goals
It’s easy to get caught up in life’s daily demands and forget about your big dreams. Many women say they’d set ambitious goals and stay focused if they could go back in time. They’d prioritize those dreams, understanding now that long-term goals give life direction. With clarity and determination, they’d pursue what really matters without getting sidetracked.