Let’s be real: Regret is that annoying friend who shows up uninvited, makes you relive your worst mistakes, and whispers, “Wow, you really messed that up.” Whether it’s a cringey text you sent at 2 AM, a career move that flopped, or that one toxic ex you swore you’d never go back to (but did, twice), regret is something we all face.
But what if I told you that your regrets could be the very thing that pushes you toward a glow-up? No, really. Instead of letting them eat away at you, it’s time to turn those regrets into life-changing lessons. Let’s go, queen!
1. Accept That You’re Not a Time Traveler (Yet)
You can’t change the past (unless you’re hiding a time machine, in which case, let’s talk). The sooner you accept this, the sooner you stop replaying old mistakes like a bad Netflix series. Shift your focus to what’s next instead of what went wrong.
FOMO Alert: Every second spent regretting is a second you could be using to build your future.
2. Ask Yourself: “Did I Really Fail, or Did I Just Learn?”
Spoiler alert: Most of what you consider “failures” are just rough drafts of success. That embarrassing job interview? Training for your dream job. That time you trusted the wrong person? Now you know what red flags to look for. Every so-called “failure” is a lesson in disguise.
Reframe it: Instead of thinking, “I messed up,” think, “I leveled up.”
3. Write a Letter to Your Past Self (And Roast Her a Little)
No, really, this is therapeutic. Write down what Past You did, what she didn’t know, and what you’d tell her now. You’ll realize that you’ve grown so much since then, and that’s a flex. Plus, future you will be even wiser.
Bonus: Burn the letter (safely). Feels amazing.
4. Stop Stalking the “What Ifs”
“What if I had chosen a different career?” “What if I had said yes instead of no?” Girl, stop. The past is done, and overanalyzing every choice is like reading spoilers for a movie that’s already finished. Focus on writing the next chapter instead.
Mantra: “I trust that I made the best choice I could with what I knew at the time.”
5. Identify the Pattern (So You Don’t Repeat It)
If you keep ending up in the same messy situations, there’s a pattern. Maybe you always date people who treat you like a second option, or you take jobs that drain your soul. Recognizing patterns is the first step to breaking them.
Actionable Tip: Write down your last three biggest regrets and find the common thread. Now, rewrite the script.
6. Forgive Yourself Like You’d Forgive Your Best Friend
You wouldn’t trash your bestie for making a mistake, so why do it to yourself? Treat yourself with the same kindness. Self-forgiveness is the ultimate glow-up.
Pro Move: Say, “I forgive myself” out loud. Daily. Until you actually believe it.
7. Turn Regret Into a Goal
Regret is wasted energy unless you use it. Wish you had studied more? Set a goal to learn something new. Regret ignoring an opportunity? Say yes to the next one. Transform the energy into action.
Try this: Turn every regret into a “next time, I will…” statement.
8. Cut Off People Who Keep You Stuck in Regret
Some people love to remind you of your mistakes because it makes them feel better. Unfriend, unfollow, and block as needed. Protect your peace.
Toxic Reminder: If they only bring up your past, they don’t deserve a seat in your future.
9. Surround Yourself with People Who Make You Better
Find people who inspire you, challenge you, and remind you that you’re a work in progress, not a failure.
Game Changer: Follow people who motivate you, not make you feel like trash.
10. Upgrade Your Mindset With One Tiny Habit
Growth happens when you make small, consistent changes. Start with something easy, like journaling, reading self-growth books, or listening to empowering podcasts.
Pro Tip: If you need a daily reminder, The Mindset Reset Journal (my absolute favorite) is a game-changer. It’s packed with prompts to help you shift from regret to resilience. Grab it before it sells out!
11. Practice the “Regret Flip”
When regret creeps in, flip the script. Instead of “I wish I had…” say, “Because of this, I now know…”
Example: “I regret wasting time on that toxic relationship.” , “Because of that, I now know my worth and won’t settle.”
12. Remember: Your Best Days Are Ahead of You
Regret tries to convince you that your best days are behind you. LIES. The truth? Your future is still unwritten, and you own the pen.
Final Thought: The only way to truly regret something is to let it define you. And we don’t do that here.
Ready to Glow Up? Start Here.
If you’re serious about shifting from regret to growth, don’t just read this, take action. Start with small daily habits that push you forward. And if you need a tool to keep you accountable, grab The Mindset Reset Journal before it sells out! You owe it to yourself to move forward.
Now tell me: What’s one regret you’re turning into a lesson today? Drop it in the comments!
