One of the biggest fears people have about making decisions is that they will make the wrong one. People worry that a poor choice may end in regret. The truth is, it happens.
From buyer’s remorse to marrying the wrong person, people find themselves in regrettable situations.
Regret is a powerful emotion. It includes pain, guilt, fear, sadness and raw nerves. Regret can cause shame and avoidance and change your personality if you don’t manage it well. You may not be able to undo the decision that led to your regret, but there is plenty you can do to move forward and away from your regret.
Here is a pathway to follow when you’ve done something regrettable-
Get ahold of yourself: Regret is overwhelming. It can feel like a burden and cause guilt and shame. Holding onto those emotions can contaminate other areas of life. Being overcome with regret influences how you make future decisions. If you’ve done something regrettable, get ahold your emotions and start to calm down.
Manage the situation: If your decision has caused an immediate situation – manage it. IF there is something that needs to be done, do it. Do what you can as soon as possible to rectify your decision.
Make any amends or corrections: If your decision has caused fall out and personal harm, make amends or offer up what you can to make things better as soon as possible. It might be tempting to run and hide or avoid others if you are embarrassed but the best thing you can do is act quickly.
Take your lumps: From financial penalties to being reprimanded, sometimes you have to take your lumps on the way to releasing regret. Part of moving down the path includes owning any wrong-doing, harm, or collateral damage your decisions may have made. Be mature and take any burden on the chin so you can move on.
Begin again: If you’ve done all you can do to manage your regret, it’s time to move forward. Take a deep breath and bring all the lessons and maturity you have gained along with you. Your mistakes will make you smarter and sharper the next time around.
Regret is many things, one of which is a fabulous teacher. Your regret has the potential to help you grow and change in all the right ways. Don’t let regret diminish you, let it sharpen you like steel on steel.
