Dr. Larry Santos: We're trying to extract a lesson from what we did badly in the past so we can do better in the future. By courageously processing her own regrets about not showing up when her mother needed her, Liz has been able to better live up to the person she ideally wants to be. If there's some past action that makes you cringe, fix it. Didn't take on that big challenge your ideal self was pushing for? Do it now. Find ways to see those pangs of remorse in a new light and they'll nudge you in the right direction.
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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