Books we recommend
The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward
Daniel H. Pink
Published 2022
Self-careLeadership
- Regret is a universal and healthy emotion that, when examined rather than avoided, can sharpen judgment and guide better future choices.
- Pink identifies four core types of regret—foundation, boldness, moral, and connection—that reveal what people around the world value most.
- Looking back on past mistakes with self-compassion (not self-indulgence) turns regret into a tool for learning instead of a source of shame.
- Simple practices—like writing about regrets, sharing them with others, and reframing them as lessons—can reduce their sting and increase insight.
- Leaders and caregivers who openly acknowledge and learn from regrets model psychological safety, resilience, and more ethical decision-making.
- Using regret as a compass helps you clarify priorities, make braver choices, and invest more deeply in relationships and meaningful work.
