Understanding the difference can make all the difference

Understanding the difference can make all the difference. If we know what we truly regret, we know what we truly value. Regret that maddening, perplexing, undeniably real emotion points to the way to life well lived.

— from The Landing (Death) · Power of Regret by Daniel Pink

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Regret — that maddening, perplexing, undeniable emotion — is not noise; it is a compass. If we know what we truly regret, we know what we truly value, and the needle points straight back toward the life worth living. The same is true of every refusal you ever make under pressure. — The Landing (Death)

There is a deep structure to what people regret most — foundation ("if only I'd done the work"), boldness ("if only I'd taken the risk"), moral ("if only I'd done the right thing"), and connection ("if only I'd reached out"). And understanding it is a gift, because if you know what you truly regret, you know what you truly value. Two more mercies about regret. — The Heart in the Cockpit (Emotion/Awe/Anxiety/Regret/Empathy)

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