I vividly recall having a discussion at school with Mr Orme, one of my very favourite teachers ever, on the subject of regret.

He had been with the Eighth Army in North Africa during world war two and suddenly found himself in Cairo with some free time.

Now I love history especially ancient Egyptian history so I was keen to hear what he had seen and done in that magical land. But it turned out that one of the biggest regrets of his life stemmed from that very visit. He and a friend had decided to head over to the Great Pyramid and climb it right to the top, something he’d always wanted to do.

When they arrived they were confronted by a local “guide” offering, for a mere shilling, to lead them to the top.

Now, these were young British soldiers, might of the Empire. They’d seen off Rommel, the might of the Africa Corps and the worst of the desert. All they were faced with now was a big pile of ston!. They were at the bottom and could see the top so who needs a guide. What a rip-off!

By the time they had to leave they were soaked in sweat, very irritable and only a third of the way to the top. He never went back to the pyramids and always deeply regretted not paying his shilling and achieving his dream.

I think we have all faced the same dilemma as Mr Orme: hire the expert or attempt to do it ourselves. Of course, our decision is going to be influenced by money, time and maybe even personal ego. Sometimes we really have no choice but to go it alone.

But when something is important my advice is pay the money, take the advice and see the world from the top of the pyramid. No regrets!