Member-only story
Embracing Regret: The Unexpected Benefits of Life’s “What-Ifs”
How Reflecting on Our Regrets Can Improve Our Lives and Make Us Better People.
We all have that nagging voice in our minds, reminding us of what we wish we had done differently. Maybe it’s the job you didn’t take, the relationship you didn’t pursue, or the decision you made that you can’t shake off.
Many people aspire to live without regret, but what if I told you that regret isn’t entirely bad? In fact, research shows that embracing our regrets can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.
A study published in the journal “Emotion” found that 90% of people have at least one major life regret. So, if you find yourself feeling regretful, know that you’re in good company. But how can we turn these feelings into something positive?
Regret can drive positive change.
Regret is an emotional response to a perceived mistake and often acts as a catalyst for change. In a study by psychologists Neal Roese and Amy Summerville, 44% of participants reported that regret motivated them to improve their behavior.
This means that when we reflect on our regrets, we’re more likely to make better choices in the future. So, instead of dwelling on the past…
