posted on Monday, July 15, 2019
Is it possible to live life without having regrets? I recently was asked the introspective question, “If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?” In my head, I immediately asked, “We only get one choice?”
For simplicity, let’s define regrets (“normal” life regrets) as the times in our lives when we made a wrong choice. We all make mistakes, but it’s how we choose to respond to our regrets that becomes the key. Some regrets should cause us to feel guilt. That feeling means we have a conscience. Like all other parts of life, balance is the key. We must avoid allowing our regrets to control our life with feelings of despair or depression.
So what are we to do? Research indicates that successful people often respond to regret in the following ways:
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Be accountable. Say, “I made a mistake.” Own it, then say, “What am I going to do now?” Make your next choice.
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Apologize. Often times our wrong choices end up hurting people other than just ourselves. Make sure they know that you are aware and sorry for the negative impact you had on them.
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Regrets can become adversity. Adversity, in the end, will either make us a better person or a worse person. The choice is ours.
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Successful people maintain a positive attitude. These people say things like, “No matter what has occurred in my life, it has made me who I am today and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
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Ask for forgiveness. Sometimes our apologies don’t go far enough to heal what was broken. It may take more than one time, and that’s ok.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Challenge
Learn from past mistakes and try not to repeat them. Be accountable. Accept your humanity.