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Why “No Regrets” Is Bad Advice

Why “No Regrets” Is Bad Advice

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos vor 2 Monaten

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30:57

We’ve all had moments we wish we could do over: the relationship
we stayed in too long, the opportunity we didn’t take, the thing
we said that we can’t unsay. Regret can feel awful. So it’s no
surprise that “no regrets” has become a popular life motto. But
what if regret isn't actually the enemy?

In this episode from The Happiness Lab archives, Dr. Laurie
explores the surprising science of regret with authors Daniel
Pink and Liz Fosslien. Together, they explain why our biggest
regrets can reveal what we value most, help us make better
decisions, and even point us toward a happier future.

If you've ever found yourself stuck replaying an old mistake,
this episode offers a more productive way to look back.

Experts Mentioned:

Daniel Pink, non-fiction author

Liz Fosslien, author, illustrator, and expert in workplace
culture and emotions

Mollie West Duffy, author, illustrator, and expert in
organizational development

Augusten Burroughs, author and memoirist

Bronnie Ware, author and palliative carer

Resources Mentioned:

“Liz + Mollie”

Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay,
by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy (2022)

Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward, by
Daniel Pink (2022)

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed
by the Dearly Departing, by Bronnie Ware (2011)

“Making Up for Lost Opportunities: The Protective Role of
Downward Social Comparisons for Coping With Regrets Across
Adulthood,” by Isabelle Bauer and Carsten Wrosch (2011)

Related Episodes

“How to Identify Your Negative Emotions”

“How to Be Angry Better”

“Why Nostalgia Ain't So Rosy”

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