That idea becomes particularly powerful when we think about health and fitness.  No one in the second half of their life wishes they were less fit or less strong.

Very few people regret going for a walk, joining a class, or signing up for a challenge. They might remember the nerves beforehand, or the effort involved.  But what is often thought is “I wish I’d started earlier” or “I wish I’d looked after myself when I had the chance.”

As we age, health becomes less about appearance and more about independence. Being able to get up from the floor, carry shopping, walk upstairs without stopping, or play with grandchildren. These abilities don’t disappear overnight. They fade slowly, the result of years of inaction.

From your younger years, it’s easy to assume there will always be time later. Later to get fit. Later to lose weight. Later to start lifting weights or learning to swim or entering that event you’ve always thought about. But “later” has a habit of never arriving!

I’ve never met anyone in their later years who regretted being active, even if they were never sporty. But I have met plenty who regret not doing more when they could. Not training for that walk, that race, that trip, or simply the strength to live independently for longer.

This isn’t about beating yourself up for the past. It’s about recognising that today is still an opportunity. Starting doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. It might be walking a little more, lifting something a little heavier than last month, or committing to a small challenge that gives you purpose and momentum.

Challenges are particularly powerful because they give you a story to tell yourself later. They become markers in your life, moments where you chose to act rather than stay still.

One day, you’ll look back at this period of your life. The question is simple: will you regret not taking action about your health and fitness?