It always bothers me when I wasn’t able to get the things I wanted. I keep thinking, “I should’ve done this instead of that, maybe things would’ve been a little different.”

I remember when I was already out of college looking for a job. I couldn’t hack it in to the corporate world. Several good companies kept rejecting me. Then, when some “so-so” companies called me for job interviews, I was pre-occupied with the “what-ifs” and “what-might-have-beens” of previous work applications, I couldn’t focus on the present time. And that meant another failure.

At home, I remember, I would follow-up applications only to hear an old technique: “We will call you back.” Or “We will keep your résumé on file.” After hanging up the phone, I would sigh and say, “That was a really good company. What a waste.” And I would think about it like it’s really my fault and it’s already the end of the world.

It’s not. Thanks to my father and his timely advice. He said that “if you keep thinking about it, then you would never be happy.” He’s right.

I was able to get past my failures and use it as motivation. After my programming career in the Philippines (which I’m also going to blog soon), I’m now a Computer and Math Teacher, Computer “Mechanic”, Web Designer, and a Blog Writer; and still motivated to do other related jobs.

It’s senseless to dwell in the past. It’s been done and there’s nothing more you can do about it. We have to move on, otherwise, we will remain unproductive. Instead of spending time worrying and obstructing the present, why don’t we use the time thinking on how we can improve ourselves and avoid the same mistakes?

The best course of action is do your best, stay motivated, and learn to love what you do. Otherwise, it’s regrets all over again.