If Not You, Then Who? If Not Now, Then When? Why the #1 Regret of the Dying Should Inspire You to LIVE

The Wake-Up Call You Need

Can we get honest for a second? How many times have you told yourself that next year would be different? "NEW YEAR, NEW ME!!" You’d finally chase the dream job, launch the business, take that bold step toward the life you’ve always imagined. Maybe you’ve bought the fancy planner, pinned motivational quotes, or even written out a plan, started a new diet, got a gym membership only to find yourself stuck in the same spot months—or years—later.

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? That feeling of knowing deep down that you’re capable of so much more, yet something keeps holding you back. You see others out there living the life you want—getting the promotions, traveling the world, building their dream lives—and it stings because you know you could do it too. Maybe even better.

But here’s the thing: no one is coming to rescue us. No one is going to hand us the life we’ve been dreaming of. And that’s a tough pill to swallow.

"No one is coming to save you. No one is coming to push you. It's all up to YOU. You need to parent yourself if you want to make your dreams come true. You CAN do it... you just have to stop waiting to feel like it," Mel Robbins

And yet, we wait. We wait for the perfect moment to feel 100% ready, to feel 100% confident, the moment for fear to magically disappear, for a sign that says, “Now is the time.” ‍

But here’s the truth: that moment doesn’t come unless you decide to create it.

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A palliative end-of-life nurse spent time with countless people on their deathbeds and wrote out the Top 5 list.. The #1 regret of the dying isn’t about money or status. It’s this:

“I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”

Let that sink in. A life spent following someone else’s rules, staying small, and ignoring your dreams isn’t a life fully lived. Sure, people tell us YOLO, we only live once, bla blah. But do any of us take it seriously?

I don't think so....

If we did, we would be loving the crap out of everything. We would be doing instead of dreaming. We would be writing that book. Applying for that job. Talking to that attractive person on the subway. Taking that chance.

"So, if not you, then who? If not now, then when?," (Me :) )Andrea Hunt - Living Deliberately Today EFT Empowerment Coaching

We're now at the end of the year so consider this your wake-up call, not just to dream bigger but to actually take the steps to make it happen.

The Comfort Zone Trap

We all love the comfort zone. It’s safe, familiar, and predictable. It’s where you can coast through your day without much stress or uncertainty. We feel content. Fulfilled? No. But safe. But here’s the catch: the comfort zone isn’t nearly as satisfying as it seems. Sure, it feels comfortable for now, but it’s also a place where your dreams go to die. It’s a space where you stay small, avoiding risks and growth. The longer you stay in that space, the less you feel alive.

It’s like the same routine, day after day, never challenging yourself, never testing your limits. And if we’re being real, it’s not even as stable as it used to be. The world is constantly shifting. Jobs change, relationships shift, and opportunities come and go.

No matter how “safe” it feels to stay in the comfort zone, nothing is truly secure anymore. In fact, staying stagnant in your predictable routine makes you vulnerable to the very changes you’re avoiding. The world keeps moving, and you might get left behind.

“Comfort is the enemy of achievement.”— Farrah Gray

The truth is, this safe space you’ve been clinging to isn’t fulfilling anymore. You’re frustrated, maybe even feeling stuck. You know there’s more out there for you, but fear keeps you in place.

The idea of stepping out feels like diving into the unknown—and that can be terrifying. It’s easy to stay comfortable in the routine, even when it’s not giving you the joy or success you crave. But that’s not the life you’re meant to lead.

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And here’s the kicker: everything in life is constantly changing. You can’t control the world around you, but you can control how you respond to it. If you stay stuck, you risk being swept away by forces outside of your control—things you can’t predict or prepare for. You might get passed by while others are taking bold steps forward, creating the life they want.

But stepping outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens. It’s where growth happens. It’s where you unlock new opportunities. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it feels risky. But that’s where you find your potential. That’s where you start becoming the person you’ve always known you could be.

Taking that first step is scary, no doubt. You might even fail a few times—but guess what? That’s normal. Failure is growth. And when you start embracing the discomfort, you’ll begin to see just how much more you’re capable of.

The truth is, there’s a part of you that already knows this. You know you can do more, be more, and live more. But getting out of the comfort zone and into the life you want takes more than willpower. It takes the willingness to face your fears, push through the resistance, and take action. And that’s where we often get stuck.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone.

The Fear Factor – Why It’s So Hard to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

We all know that feeling, don’t we? That knot in your stomach when you think about stepping into the unknown. Maybe it's even a panic. Whether it’s applying for a new job, launching your dream project, or making a bold move in your life, that fear comes rushing in. It’s uncomfortable, overwhelming, and sometimes it stops us dead in our tracks.

But here’s something most people don’t talk about: that fear isn’t just in your head. It’s in your nervous system and flooding your body, too.

When we face a situation that feels risky or unfamiliar, our nervous system goes into fight-or-flight mode.

It’s like an internal alarm goes off, and your body prepares for danger—even if the danger is just the idea of something new. The stress hormone cortisol spikes, and suddenly, your body is flooded with tension, anxiety, and physical discomfort. It’s like a wave of panic that makes you want to freeze or run back to safety.

But here’s the kicker: when cortisol is spiking, it’s not just making you anxious—it’s also clouding your judgment and ability to think clearly. Your body is in survival mode, so you’re not able to make rational decisions. That’s why, even though you know you’re capable of so much more, your body and mind might fight you every step of the way.

It’s a cruel cycle. The more you stay in that comfort zone, the more your nervous system gets used to the low-level stress and anxiety of playing it safe. It’s a false sense of security. The truth is, your body is actually wired to keep you small, to keep you safe, which is why stepping outside your comfort zone feels so intense and overwhelming.

Your nervous system doesn’t always know that pursuing your dreams isn’t a life-or-death situation. It just knows that it’s new, it’s unfamiliar, and it doesn’t feel safe.

Now, this doesn’t mean you’re weak. It’s not about just willpower or determination- despite what the "Motivation Gurus' tell you. It’s about understanding how your body and mind are responding to change and fear.

But what if you could teach your nervous system to calm down? What if you could break free from that cycle of fear, tension, and anxiety? What if, instead of freezing or retreating, you could move forward with confidence, even when the fear is there?

That’s the power of knowing how your nervous system works and how to calm it down—and that’s where true transformation begins. You don’t have to live in a constant state of fear or overwhelm. You don’t have to stay stuck in your comfort zone just because it feels familiar.

The key is to reset your nervous system. Instead of pushing through the fear and forcing yourself to take action, you can learn how to release that tension, calm your body’s response, and create new emotional and mental patterns that make it easier to move forward. Learn how EFT Tapping can help you release fears.

The Real Cost of Inaction – Letting Opportunities and Time Slip Away

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the real cost of staying stuck. We often talk about the benefits of taking action, stepping outside our comfort zones, and going after what we truly want in life. But we don’t often stop and really look at the price we pay when we choose inaction instead.

You see, when we let fear, doubt, and uncertainty hold us back, we’re not just avoiding discomfort—we’re letting precious opportunities slip through our fingers.

Time is one thing we can never get back. Every day we get older.

Every single moment you spend stuck in the same routine, too scared to make a move, or too uncertain to take that leap, is a moment you’ll never get again.

Time keeps ticking, and with every passing day, we lose the opportunity to create something new, to make a change, or to step closer to our goals.

Think about this for a second. How many times have you found yourself thinking, "I should have done that," or "I could’ve started that project last year, or even 10 years ago" or "What if I had taken that chance when I had the opportunity?"

That’s the regret that starts to build up over time. It's the fear of what could have been, and it’s a weight that gets heavier the longer you avoid taking action.

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How many people do you know with a full list of 'shoulda' 'coulda' 'woulda's (should have, could have, would have's) that follow them around?

Now, let’s get real: when you’re not stepping up to the plate, you're not only missing out on the success you could be achieving. You're also denying yourself the personal growth, the experiences, and the joy of realizing your true potential.

You’re robbing yourself of the chance to live a life that excites you, a life that feels fulfilling and true to who you are.

But it's not just about the missed opportunities. It’s also about the toll it takes on your mental and emotional health. The longer you ignore that call to step forward, the more frustration, self-doubt, and regret starts to build up inside. You’re left with that nagging feeling of “I know I can do more, be more… but why am I still stuck here?” It wears you down and keeps you spinning in circles.

That inner battle between knowing you can do better and feeling stuck and incapable is exhausting. It leads to self-sabotage, negative self-talk, and a constant cycle of feeling like you're not enough. And with every day that passes, that voice in your head gets louder, reminding you of the dreams that are gathering dust on the shelf.

Imagine the Life Waiting for You on the Other Side

Let’s talk about what’s possible. What would your life look like if fear, self-doubt, belief wounding, and those old emotional blocks weren’t holding you back? Seriously, think about it. Imagine waking up in the morning feeling confident, clear, and ready to take on the day—not bogged down by anxiety or the weight of past failures, but empowered by a deep belief in yourself and your abilities.

That version of you exists—and it’s closer than you think.

Maybe you're just missing the tools to remove those stubborn emotional blocks....

When you break free from the emotional blocks keeping you stuck, you show up differently in your life.

You start saying yes to opportunities that scare you, not because the fear is completely gone, but because you’ve learned how to navigate it.

You walk into job interviews or meetings with confidence, knowing your worth and what you bring to the table.

You take action on the ideas that have been sitting in the back of your mind for months (or even years).

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Here’s what can change:

Clarity and Focus: Instead of feeling paralyzed by indecision, you’ll have a clear sense of direction. No more spinning your wheels, wondering where to start. You’ll take aligned, intentional steps toward the life you want. Why? Because you know what you want.

Confidence and Self-Worth: Imagine no longer second-guessing yourself or waiting for someone else to validate your worth. You’ll finally believe you’re good enough—not just for the life you dream of, but for the opportunities already waiting for you. Why? You've been creating proof.

Courage and Resilience: Fear will no longer control you. You’ll feel the fear, acknowledge it, and then take the next step anyway. And when challenges come up (because they will), you’ll be ready to face them head-on, not crumble under the pressure. Why? Because you know what you've overcome.

Energy and Freedom: When you let go of the emotional baggage you’ve been carrying—those old stories, fears, and doubts—you’ll be amazed at how much lighter you feel. You’ll have the energy to show up fully for yourself, your goals, and the people you care about. Why? You're able to re-calibrate emotionally and bounce back quicker.

Living Authentically: Imagine living a life that feels true to who you really are. No more people-pleasing or living by someone else’s script. You’ll have the courage to pursue what truly lights you up. Why? Because you've stopped comparing yourself to others or worrying about what others think.

Think about how it would feel to finally trust yourself—to know deep down that you can handle whatever comes your way. To stop sitting on the sidelines of your own life, waiting for the “right” moment or for fear to magically disappear. Spoiler alert: it won’t. But the good news is, you don’t have to wait for it to go away. You can start taking action now, learning how to move forward with the fear, instead of letting it paralyze you.

The truth is, the version of you who’s already doing all of this—the confident, unstoppable version—isn’t some distant fantasy. It’s you with a few shifts, some guidance, and the willingness to let go of what’s been holding you back.

If Not Now, Then When? It’s Time to Say Yes to You

How many times have you told yourself “I’ll do it next week,” or “Now’s not the right time,” only to find that months—or even years—have slipped by? You’re still stuck in the same place, feeling the same frustrations, and wondering why nothing has changed.

‍Here’s the hard truth: nothing changes unless you decide to change it.

Life doesn’t wait for you to feel 100% ready. The “perfect time” isn’t coming because the perfect time is right now. There will always be bills, responsibilities, and reasons to put yourself last. But here’s the thing: the longer you stay stuck in inaction, the more opportunities you let pass you by. And those opportunities? They don’t wait either.

Ask yourself:

How many dreams have you set aside because fear or self-doubt got in the way?

How much energy have you spent waiting for the courage to show up?

What’s the price of continuing to let these emotional blocks hold you back?

I know what you’re thinking—“But what if I fail? What if I can’t do it? What if I can't handle it actually working? (<---- YES, that's a real fear!!) ”

You might also be thinking—“Can’t I do this on my own?” Sure, you could try. If that works for you, then go for it! But how long have you already been trying?

How many books have you read, podcasts have you listened to, or plans have you made that didn’t stick? Here’s the truth: transformation isn’t about willpower or trying harder.

Why work with me in 2025?

It’s all about healing the blocks that are keeping you stuck and holding you back from taking action. That’s where my EFT Empowerment Coaching comes in. I don’t just hand you a list of things to do and goals to achieve and send you on your way.

We work on the root of the problem—the fears, the limiting beliefs, and the nervous system patterns that make it so hard to take action. Together, we release what’s holding you back so you can finally move forward with clarity, confidence, and power.

This is more than coaching—it’s freedom. It’s the key to breaking free from the cycles that keep you small and stepping into the version of you who’s ready to show up.

Still hesitating? Ask yourself this:

What will it cost you to stay where you are?

What dreams will you keep putting off?

How much longer are you willing to let fear, doubt, and old stories decide your life?

You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. You just have to decide that you’re worth it. That you’re ready to try. That you’re done settling for a life that’s smaller than the one you deserve.

The question is, are you ready to take the first step? Schedule a free consultation with me!

“You Are One Decision Away from a Completely Different Life” - Mel Robbins

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ANDREA HUNT - Transformational Life Coach & EFT Tapping Practitioner based in Munich, Germany

As an Accredited Transformational Coach (Animas Centre UK) and Certified EFT Practitioner (AEFTP), I help you overcome low self-worth, imposter syndrome, and limiting beliefs using powerful EFT Tapping and coaching. Ready to transform your emotional health and boost your confidence?

If you’re curious about EFT Tapping and how it can enhance your emotional resilience while addressing issues like low self-worth, perfectionism, and negative self-talk, download my FREE EFT book!  ➡️ https://bit.ly/4e672x7

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