September 4, 2022
Have you ever said, “I have no regrets." Currently this is a popular mantra that people use for tattoos, posters, blogs etc. The idea is, so it goes, that we should focus on the present, and look to the future.
Daniel Pink, in his excellent book: The Power of Regret maintains that "Regret is not dangerous or abnormal, nor a deviation from the steady path to happiness. It is healthy and universal, an integral part of being human. Regret is also valuable. It clarifies. It instructs."
He reminds us that we should not put all our emotional eggs in one basket such as positive feelings. For instance, fear makes us run from a fire, disgust keeps us from accepting a poison or bad examples in others.
But of all the negative emotions, regret is the most pervasive and powerful. The good news is that we can look at both the past and the future in our heads, and make better outcomes for our futures. For example, you remember a situation last year for which you failed to prepare: a job interview, a conflict with a friend, an activity requiring a level of physical fitness. By feeling regret, you can make choices now that will positively impact your behavior down the road.
Next week, we will look at the Four Core Regrets. In the meantime, start reading this book. You won't regret it!
