There were once two men who would play golf together on a weekly basis.
Cal was in his late teens and showed a lot of promise in the game and the second man, Bill, was in his early 40’s and was consistently able to beat his younger opponent.
One day when they were playing, Cal announced to Bill that he was going to try out for the pro tour in the following week. He knew that it was a long shot, but it was his dream to be a professional golfer, so he thought that he should give it a try.
“I could have done that.” was Bill’s curt response.
“Then why didn’t you?” asked Cal.
“I don’t know, I never got around to it.” responded the older man.
A couple of weeks later, the two men played together again.
Cal looked slightly dispirited as he announced that he had missed the cut and had to wait another year to try again. However, he knew what he had to work on, so he practiced hard for the following 12 months and continued to improve, although Bill still beat him regularly.
The time drew near to the next try-out for the pro tour.
“I’m having another go next week.” said Cal.
“I could have done that,” snorted Bill.
“Yeah, but you didn’t did you?” muttered Cal under his breath.
A couple of weeks later, the two men met again.
“I missed out again.” said Cal.
“Why don’t you just give up?” asked Bill.
“Because it’s my dream and I think if I work really hard this year, I can make the cut.”
“I could have done that.” said Bill.
After a year of perfecting his flaws through practice and coaching, Cal really improved over the course of the year and had another try.
He met up with Bill again.
“I made it, I made the cut! I’m a professional golfer now!” he proudly announced.
Bill tried to be happy for his young friend, but all he could say was, “I could have done that.”
As he said these words, he tried to hide a tear forming in his eye, realising now what he had missed out on because he didn’t do what he could have done.
And now it was too late.
Cal left to follow his dream and they rarely saw each other again.
Although they did play once more, with Bill shooting the better score.
I wrote this story because the words, “I could have done that,” are amongst the saddest that can be heard from a middle-aged or older person.
Yet unfortunately, they are words that I hear far too often.
Don’t let that be you.
Follow your dream.
Make it happen.
Do what you know you must before it’s too late!
And live with the knowledge that you did it, rather than regret that you could have.
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12 comments
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February 25, 2012 at 1:08 am
Stacey Kirkpatrick
Couldn’t he, even in his forties, still have tried out. It’s never too late. Don’t let age or supposed missed chances stop you from still trying now-today!
I was 37 when I graduated from University. And I’ll be in my 40s when my book is published. So I wasted 15 + years not doing so many things I could have-let’s call those years experience or training and do it anyway-now. There’s always a way to make your dream possible.
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February 25, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Darren Poke
I agree Stacey, he certainly could have still tried out.
Good for you with your achievements, it’s never too late.
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February 25, 2012 at 3:41 am
granbee
Well, Darren, thankfully, my age has not reduced my writing abilities, but instead provided me with decades more material and wisdom! I am SO going for it now every day! This story here really has lit yet another fire under me, especially after reading another NYTBooks column last night featuring a successful author who did not publish anything until age 65. I am totallyl with Stacey on this one. Of course, any athletic dreams, like that of this young golfer DO have to be followed in more youthful years, I am fully aware. However, Darren, bet you can’t put your ankle behind your head like I can!
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February 25, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Darren Poke
You’re right, I can’t do that Rose.
Keep going for it!
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February 25, 2012 at 8:04 am
Jon Baker
Thanks for sharing this. Very inspiring, that is why when you have a dreams, work hard for it and reach for it.
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February 25, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks Jon, keep reaching for your dreams.
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February 25, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Debbie
Thanks Coach D! I’ve never personally heard someone say that. Wow! That is sad. Praying to do what I should each day, to not live with regrets. God bless you!
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February 25, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks Debbie, keep living a life without regrets.
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February 26, 2012 at 4:48 am
Ari King
Hi my name is Ari King and I was born in Oakland, CA, graduated from Wesleyan University in 2009, and currently live in Brooklyn.
I have interviewed two groups of graduates: those who are 22-25 and are still figuring it out and those who are older and successful/established in their fields. Both groups talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences during senior year and their first year out as a means to inspire others and show that it takes some time to figure things out.
I am self-publishing this and recently started a kickstarter to help raise some money to pay for editors, the website, the production costs, etc.
I was hoping you could use some of your resources and spread the word to those who might be interested.
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February 28, 2012 at 10:32 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Ari for sharing your link and I hope that your project is an inspiration to many.
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February 27, 2012 at 11:24 am
JDK
Darren, I like the site and find it very inspiring. Curious question from the sceptic though, I am an engineer by study and pay close attention to the details. I have noticed on many of your inspiring stories that there are no historical characters listed, such as this one. I am curious, is this story from a real person, it would be great to hear that “Cal” was actually Tiger Woods (or similar).
If so, I believe this information may add to the impact on the reader.
Thanks for your time.
FYI, currently applying to schools to change my career to a new field. I am in my mid 30’s and at times I question myself. So I like this story, it was delivered at a good time.
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February 28, 2012 at 10:39 am
Darren Poke
Thanks JDK, I like sceptics and the questions they ask.
This story is fictitious. It was written to inspire and encourage people to take action now rather than live with regrets later. I just add names to make the story flow better.
Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead (including Tiger Woods) is purely coincidental.
When I use real people as examples, I am very conscious of using their names as such people deserve recognition for their achievements and ability to inspire.
Thanks again for having the courage to comment and I trust that your change in career goes well. I highly recommend Richard Bolles’ “What Colour is Your Parachute” for anyone in your situation.
All the best.
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