Regret seems to be a global phenomenon, affecting different categories of people. Is there anyone on our planet who has never even felt regret?
Even a petulantly refusing lollipop infant may regret their choice in seconds! Look around you, and you can swear from your heart that someone has felt regret at some point in their life.
When does regret dawn on you?
Every decision you make has the potential to lead to regret. An adolescent who must select between Arts and Sciences as a profession, a youthful who must choose between jobs, and the most difficult and important choice is that of a life partner.
Because these choices may be unchangeable for many, there is the potential for significant regret. Nevertheless, we are plagued by a few little regrets. For example, opt for the healthy fruit salad instead of the decadent chocolate sundae at lunch!
The idea is that you will incur an opportunity cost associated with every decision you make daily that might or might not be measurable. This contributes to the all-too heavy and exhausting sensation of regret.
Would it even be realistic not to regret something? Maybe for a mature and knowledgeable soul who understands that all things pass and that we have no influence over life’s choices.
Below are some questions you may ask yourself to help you move past regret or, better yet, prevent it entirely.
Have you had unrealistically high and restrictive life expectations?
Having lofty goals in life is not a negative thing. Allowing yourself to anticipate perfection, on the other hand, is not a smart option. Since perfection is not something that gets marked off the checklist quite often. If you believe that flawlessness is the only acceptable outcome, you are merely putting yourself up with disappointment.
Adjust your expectations based on your abilities and the environment. Your wishes will be granted. They might have as well…just not in the package you were anticipating. Understand that you have already experienced some incredible events without intending to.
Do you recognize and show gratitude for life’s blessings?
It is critical to recognize your life’s excellent and positive aspects to reproduce them. You will find positive aspects of life if you look for them.
Sadly, the same may be said for the inverse! Making a habit of being positive with your life as well as the blessings in it can help.
Can you find yourself criticizing yourself for making mistakes?
No one has the chance to transform the past. Could there be a mistake you have made in your life that you cannot undo?
This mindset will lead to nowhere. Instead, accept, admit, and pardon yourself, offer yourself another chance to improve, and submit to greater power.
Do dreams you yearn for have anything to do with your present?
Are you held captive by your past? Do you often weep a few hot tears for somebody who managed to get away or the life that should have been yours, even in your good moments? If so, you are not alone…
It is indeed imaginable that these unfulfilled aspirations are ones for which you would have sacrificed your right arm a year ago, but they are not worth your salt today.
We sometimes try to remember our old dreams that we forget whether they will still be important today. To avoid regret, you may need to adjust or revise your dreams.
It would be best if you lived in the moment to achieve this. You will feel most at ease and in contact with yourself at this point. Daily guided meditation for 20 minutes might help you here. It assists you in becoming more grounded and alert.
By focusing on the past, you may be building yourself up for future regret for ignoring the present!
