An article on the management-issues.com describes how regrets may impair our actions and drive but can also serve as a significant opportunity to learn. The article originally appeared on the website of the INSEAD business school.
Usually our greatest regrets relate to pivotal life choices. They are decisions we made regarding our education, career, relationships and marriage. Extra-marital affairs are also a frequent source of regret. The reason for this is that our decisions in these areas have a long-term impact on our lives, very often resulting in irrevocable consequences.
Regrets and more regrets
Thinking endlessly about our regrets can lead to self-recrimination and depression. Once this happens, it is very difficult to continue with our personal development.
The intensity of our regrets depends to a large degree on our personal traits. People with low self-esteem may be crushed by regrets and reflection. They struggle and are often unable to deal with regrets and overcome them. This can lead to more risk-averse behaviour because they don’t want to make another decision with potentially bad consequences. They are basically trapped between regretting the past and fearing the future.
Ageing
Another important factor is ageing. As we grow older, we start to realise much more intensely that our time is limited and tend to reflect more on the past. Some people even start wallowing in regrets and end up feeling bitter and sad. Others are able to come to terms with their past mistakes and start living with new energy.
One good thing about past mistakes is that we can use such lessons in life to prevent future regrets. And that is no small thing.
-jk-