Regret is something we all experience at some point in our lives.

It can be a heavy emotion leaving us trapped in the past, questioning our choices, or just wondering what may have resulted if our choices had been different.

It feels brave when we tell people we don’t have regrets. Sometimes I find myself questioning the emotion surrounding regret itself.

If we admit to regret, is that like admitting that we’ve messed up in the past?

While regret is a natural part of the human experience, it doesn’t have to define our future.

Let’s discuss some practical advice on how to move on from regret and turn those difficult moments into opportunities for personal growth.

Practical Ways To Move On From Regret

Acknowledge Your Regret

Firstly before we can move forward, I think it’s ok to allow ourselves to feel regret. Trying to suppress or ignore our emotions may only prolong our suffering. Take a moment to fully acknowledge the regret.

Was it a missed opportunity, a bad decision, or a relationship that didn’t work out? (Yes, yes, and yes!)

Understanding why we feel regretful and pinpointing the specific event or choice can be important.

Understand That Regret is Part of Being Human

It’s important to accept that making mistakes is a natural part of life. Regret really isn’t a sign of weakness or failure it’s simply an emotional response to something we wish we could have done differently.

It means we care. Reframe your mindset and stop seeing regret as a burden. Instead, view it as a signal that you’re human, capable of growth and learning.

Practice Self-Compassion

One of the most common reasons we get stuck in regret is because we’re too hard on ourselves.

We dwell on past mistakes, feeling as if we should have known better or done things differently. But beating yourself up doesn’t change the past. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself the way you would a close friend. If your friend were telling you about their regret, would you be so harsh? Probably not. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself permission to heal.

Shift Your Focus to the Present Moment

Living in the past is where regret thrives. The more we dwell on what could have been, the harder it becomes to move forward. So once you’ve acknowledged the regret, focus on the present moment and what you can do right now.

Take small steps toward improving your current situation, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

The more we channel our energy into the present, the less power regret will have over us.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Regret is an invitation to learn. Instead of ruminating on what went wrong, ask yourself: “What did I learn from this experience?” Every mistake holds valuable lessons that can inform our future decisions.

Use your regret as a tool for personal growth by reflecting on how you can approach similar situations differently next time.

Forgive Yourself and Let Go

Forgiveness is a powerful tool in overcoming regret. Once you’ve processed your feelings and learned from the experience, it’s time to forgive yourself.

Holding onto regret is like carrying a heavy burden that weighs you down. Forgiving yourself allows you to release that weight, freeing you to move forward with a lighter heart.

The reality is, what’s done is done, and we have the power to shape our future. Don’t let the mistakes of the past steal your peace today.

Make Amends if Possible

If your regret involves someone else, you could take action to make things right. This could involve an apology, reconciling with a loved one, or letting them know how you feel.  

Making amends may bring closure and help you release the burden of regret.

Set New Goals and Focus on the Future

Set new goals and focus on building a future that excites you. This could mean pursuing a new hobby, starting a new project, or building new relationships.  Create new opportunities for yourself.

This way our past mistakes no longer define us, they just become part of our story.

Practice Gratitude

When we focus on what’s going well in our lives, it becomes easier to put past mistakes into perspective.

Every day, take a few moments to reflect on the things you’re grateful for such as your health, your relationships, or the lessons you’ve learned.

Gratitude shifts our mindset from what we’ve lost to what we have, helping us move forward with a sense of peace and appreciation.

Final Thoughts

Moving on from regret doesn’t mean we forget about the past or stop reflecting on it.

Instead, it allows us the space to grow, learn, and forgive. Life is a series of choices, and sometimes those choices don’t work out the way we hoped.

But the beauty of life is that we normally always have the opportunity to choose again.

Regret is just one chapter in your story, not the whole book. You can write the rest of your story.

I wish you all the best, and thank you for allowing me to share.

Tell me your tips for moving on from regret below in the comments.

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