Tori Higgins: We have two imaginary versions of ourselves on our shoulders, each screaming different things. Which one should we listen to? She says ignoring either voice doesn't feel great in the short term. But long-term regrets are more likely to stem from ignoring the person we ideally want to be. Higgins: If you pursue the path that brings you closer to your ideal self, you tend to be happier.
Regret sucks. Thinking back on things we should have done, or should never have done, can make us feel bad. But #noregrets isn't a philosophy for a happy and healthy life.
Regrets can be a great guide and can help us live a life that's true to our authentic selves. Illustrator Liz Fosslien learned to listen to her regrets after letting down her mom during a family crisis. While writer Daniel Pink compiled a global database of regrets to help unpick what common regrets tell us about our real values.
For Further Reading:
Daniel Pink - The Power of Regret. How Looking Back Moves Us Forward
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