Many people often look back on their lives and wonder how things might have turned out if they had made different choices. From education and career decisions to relationships, finances and personal growth, experience usually brings lessons that hindsight makes clearer. While the past cannot be changed, reflecting on it can offer valuable insights and wisdom for the future.
WEEKEND HOPE spoke with some individuals on the topic.
Excerpts:
By Emmanuel Abolarinwa & Lauretta Ajibare
If I could go back to 10 years, I would have chosen a different career path which is Theatre and Performing Arts instead of studying History and International Studies at Adekunle Ajasin University.
I believe I have a natural talent and a very strong passion for acting, supported by my knowledge and little experience in the field.
I’ve received a lot of encouragement and advice from friends, neighbours and members of my community. Many of them believe in my potential, and their support has made me feel that I would have done well in Theatre and Performing Arts. I also think it would have improved my social life significantly.
If i could go back 10 years, I would have taken my spiritual, social, and financial life serious.
Regarding my spiritual life, I would have taken my relationship with God more serious from my childhood.
On the social aspect, I would have interacted with more people and built stronger, meaningful relationships with them
In the financial aspect, I would have prioritised saving and investing much earlier.
Adeola Adejayan
If I could go back 10 years, I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of her voice, because it was always meant to be heard. I would start earlier, believe in myself more and embrace every opportunity without hesitation.
At the same time, I hold no regrets about the journey. Every delay, every lesson and every challenge played a role in shaping who I am today. And now, I understand that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
I often allowed what people said to influence my decisions, a habit that significantly affected my personal growth and direction.
With time, however, I gained a deeper understanding.
Everyone is facing their own challenges, and most people do not focused on others than we imagine.
Since I know this, it helped me to see how much energy I had spent worrying unnecessarily.
Looking back, I acknowledge that if given the chance to relive the past decade, I would choose differently—letting go of overthinking and embracing life at my own pace.
Now, with this clarity, I carry forward a renewed mindset one rooted in self-trust, personal timing and the freedom to grow without undue pressure from external voices
If I had the opportunity to relive the past 10 years, I would choose a better career. Some jobs make it difficult for you to practice your faith. Some, because they are essential are too demanding, at times, without commensurate income. But because it is your field, there is nothing you can do.
Also, I would acquire certificates in some fields that are now paying well and manage my resources better by investing in real estate, it is the in thing now. Investment of N500.000 then, is worth more than N3,000,000 now.
Faith Omowonuola
If given the chance, I would slow down and fully embrace those moments, I will gladly live it over and over again.
One memory that stands out is my role as a “little bride” at weddings—a part I thoroughly enjoyed, especially being dressed up for such special occasions.
Those experiences left a lasting impression, shaping my enduring love for fashion, which continues to influence my identity today.
All I would do is spend my childhood more deeply—enjoying it better than ever before, with a full appreciation of the joy and simplicity it held.
If I could turn back time 10 years, I would invest more in learning practical skills.
A decade ago, my focus was largely on theory and acquiring certificates. However, i did not fully understand the value of hands-on abilities. I didn’t realize how many doors are opened by what your hands can actually do
Looking back, I believe I would have dedicated more time to mastering practical skills such as digital competence or tailoring—skills that offer real-world applications and opportunities.
I believes that with those practical skills, i would rely less on her parents and be more self-sufficient today.
If I had the chance to go back 10 years, I would do things very differently. Back then, I spent most of my time playing, hanging out and just enjoying the moment without really thinking about the future.
I didn’t realise how valuable that time was. I could have used it to learn a solid, income-generating skill—something that would have given me a level of financial independence by now. I was not serious with my life back then, unlike the way I am now.