Regrets: A Planning and Energy-restoring Tool
Saturday February 23, 2019
Some time in my mid-‘30s I started allowing myself to harbor serious regrets about things. Prior to that time I think I was mostly a “no-regrets” kind of guy.
After hearing someone reject the idea of taking a time machine back in time to reverse regrettable decisions, I had to reconsider my position: Yes, I would definitely take that time machine back if offered:
- I’d be much more open-minded
- I’d not reply to certain critical letters or emails from family members (you know the sort…my dad, for one, could write the most withering letters-of-criticism)
- I’d consider the amazing job opportunity without grumping out about it
- I’d spend more time relaxing, playing, and so on…
So yes, regrets for sure. Not even just a few. A lot.
A really cool thing about regrets
So after I started thinking through my regrets, I had another big realization: I can’t go back in time, but I can start applying this information forward right now.
- I can crank my mind way open, try things, experience them, and then evaluate.
- I have the option of not only not replying to the occasional crazy-mail, but I can be proactive in lots of ways, and e.g. let people know when they do something that makes me proud of them.
- I can deeply analyze new opportunities and talk to people with relevant experience
- I can set aside time for fun and play, and actively evaluate the type of play that makes me happy.
It’s a sad fact that by not regretting things, you can say I was allowing unlearned lessons to damage my future prospects. I was also restricting my excitement for my future; it turns out that reducing the likelihood of crappy things happening in the future even a little bit really makes you feel better inside.
So yeah—I’ve definitely got regrets. I hope to recognize and analyze even more regrets in the future.
Filed in: Thinking /70/ | Openness /49/ | Control /110/ | Careers /40/ | Productivity /119/ | Goals /52/ | Therapeutic Practice /144/ | Energy /120/ | Planning /17/
Recent Articles
The NT Factor: How Harris and Walz's Personality Types Could Shape Their Presidential Bid and/or Presidency →
Predictive Contenders: Allan Lichtman (ENTP) and Cenk Uygur (INTJ) on US Presidential Election Predictions →
How to Organize & Structure a New Binder or Notebook (Fractal Method) →
Sharpening, Reading, Listening, Watching, Timing. →
Keyback Cluster →
Things I Made for You
Own your procrastination with Whole Productivity, a new system → Get my free INTJ COVID-19 Guide → Explore your gifts with my INTJ Workbook → Other Publications → ...and the fake word of the hour: "Minon." Pretty sure it has to do with a feeling of a loss of control.