Regret is a stubborn companion

Regret is a stubborn companion, but it doesn’t have to anchor you down. When you lean into reflection, you unlock pathways to move forward. Two simple prompts can help you reframe and grow beyond regret: consider a different perspective and uncover the hidden value in every experience.

Everything can be viewed from a different perspective

When regret whispers that things should’ve been different, respond with curiosity. What if there’s another way to look at it? Perhaps that missed opportunity wasn’t a failure but a redirection. Shifting perspective is like turning a prism; the light stays the same, but the view transforms.

There is positive value in every experience

Equally powerful is recognising the value embedded in every experience. Even the most challenging moments teach resilience, patience, or compassion. When you embrace this mindset, you’re no longer chained to what could’ve been—you’re building on what is. Reflection is not about ignoring what went wrong; it’s about mining the lessons hidden beneath the surface and emerging with clarity and purpose.

Turn Regret Into a Map

Regret can feel like a heavy weight, but it’s also a map of where you’ve been and where you hope to go. If you trace its contours with a balanced perspective, you start to see patterns—moments when you grew the most, decisions that opened unexpected doors, and even the mistakes that shaped your character. This map isn’t perfect, but it’s yours.

Reframing Leads to Progress

Reflection doesn’t erase regret; it reframes it. Progress isn’t about forgetting; it’s about forgiving—yourself, others, and the moments that didn’t align with your hopes. With a new perspective and a treasure trove of lessons, you’re not just moving forward—you’re moving forward with purpose.