Looking back on your life, what do you wish you had done differently? Where do you wish you were bold? Which relationships do you wish you tended to more? Regrets are difficult to avoid. We all have them. When you approach regrets with perspective and self-compassion you can learn from them. This week Diana Hill and Daniel Pink explore his research on the psychology of regret and discuss how to face your regrets head-on so that you can use them as opportunities for growth.

About Daniel Pink

Daniel H. Pink is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. His other books include the New York Times bestsellers When and A Whole New Mind — as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers Drive and To Sell is Human. Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 42 languages, and have sold millions of copies around the world. He lives in Washington, DC, with his family.

Key Takeaways

• Everyone has regrets. They are one of our most common emotions.
• When we say “I have no regrets” or get stuck ruminating on them, we miss out on opportunities to learn and grow
• Research shows most people regret similar things and regrets fall under 4 main categories: foundational regrets, boldness regrets, connection regrets, and moral regrets
• Self-disclosure, perspective-taking, and self-compassion are important tools to help you learn from your regrets

Related Resources

• Download Your Daily Practice for this episode
• Find out what kind of Striver you are and get your free Skillful Striving Toolkit
• Watch Daniel Pink’s Master Class on The Art of Persuasion
• Read The Power of Regret: How Looking Back Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink
• Sponsor: Learn More about Lightfully Behavioral Health 

Diana’s Events

• Reserve your spot in Diana’s Reset and Restore Retreat in Costa Rica in 2023!
• Sign up for Diana’s From Striving to Thriving Summit!
• See Diana at an upcoming event

Episode Segments

• [00:00] Introduction
• [01:45] Sponsor: Lightfully Behavior Health
• [02:44] Why Research Regrets?
• [06:45] Daniel Pink’s Regrets
• [10:26] The Science of Regret
• [14:38] Foundation Regrets
• [15:54] Boldness Regrets
• [25:28] Connection Regrets
• [33:44] Moral Regrets
• [38:38] Using Self-compassion With Regrets
• [41:35] Disclosure And Regrets
• [44:51] Self-Distancing With Regret
• [47:13] Diana’s Summary
• [47:49] Your Daily Practice
• [52:23] Connect With The Podcast