Avoiding Regret

"Think of regret as like looking in the rear view mirror when you're driving. To drive forward well, we often use the rear view mirror; we do need to look backwards. That doesn't mean that we. . .only look in the rear view mirror. Regret works the same way. It's useful in moving us forward."  — Janet Landman, Ph.D., Author of "Regret: The Persistence of the Possible"

Most people have regrets, mostly about insufficient education, unsatisfying employment and marriages, and family alienations.  Getting older, inappropriate and uncontrolled emotions and decisions, as well as certain cultures tend to create greater feelings of regret.

Hindsight compares actual to possible so although regret can happen, it should never be ignored. Regret serves many purposes by teaching us understanding, compassion, caution, and ethical behavior. Take time to consider what you might regret later by having enough information first to make good decisions — never on impulse.

Just like grief, regret must be worked through because you can't ignore it, go over, under, or around it. Although regrets are nearly unavoidable, stay aware of what's most important and what you want most intensely.