374. The psychology of regret
In our 20s especially, the fear of regret can seem like every choice has the potential to ‘ruin’ our future - the degree we picked (or didn’t), the person we stayed with, the move we were too scared to make. And then there are the things we didn’t do at all, the opportunities we let pass, the words we never said, that still weigh on us years later.
In this episode, we’re unpacking the psychology of regret – what it actually is, why it’s so tied to self-blame, and how it can either keep us frozen or push us forward.
We explore:
• The role of upward and downward counterfactual thinking
• How regret can both motivate and stagnate us
• The four BIGGEST regrets people have
• The paradox of the ‘perfect’ decision
• Why we fear regret more than we feel it
• How to grow through regret with acceptance and compassion
If you want to quieten the ‘what if’ thoughts, this episode is for you.
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The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.
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