Occasionally we go through life unhappily and not truly knowing why. Regret over a past mistake you committed could be causing you to feel this way. Being regretful involves feeling bad about something you wish you had done differently. You may regret things you did do (regret of action), or regret things you didn’t do (regret of inaction). It’s important to understand the source of your remorse and to acknowledge your rationale for doing, or not doing, whatever happened at the time.

Understanding Your Mistakes

Write your feelings out – if only just for yourself. Bring these swarming, remorseful feelings out of your head and onto paper. Write them in a journal, or write them on a piece of paper to destroy in a way that makes you feel more fulfilled – like burning it.Furthermore, while you’re in the process of writing, remove the words, “If only…then” from your vocabulary. Understand that worrying about the past is a potent prescription for stress and health problems. Do not make the guilty feelings more powerful by your fixation with them.

Express Your Feelings

We’ve all made them. In fact, they’re a part of life. But what would you do differently if you had the chance? Ask someone about their regrets and you will learn a lot. That’s because everyone can think of at least one thing they wish they had done another way.But the guilt over past mistakes can become paralyzing if it consumes us.Take a look at these steps for reframing your regrets and doubts of the past, and turn them into the possibilities of today.As our good friend, Bob Ross, used to say, “There are no mistakes – only happy accidents.”

Why it’s Important to Get Over Past Mistakes

If you feel you mistakenly missed out on an opportunity because of past decisions – such as not having children or not being closer with a family member, then take the time to grieve that loss. If it’s not too late to alter the feeling of regret by taking some kind of action like reconciling with that family member, then take advantage of the opportunity now. Sometimes we have the opportunity to apologize if we regret how we handled a situation with another person. If there is something you can do now, do it!

Take Time To Grieve

Remember that line from Bob Ross we mentioned earlier? “There are no mistakes – only happy accidents.” We have no choice but to accept what has happened and to think of the current options we do have. And, while you may not be able to get over the consequences of prior decisions, you can let go of obsessing over them.

Accept Your Past Mistakes

Stop “beating yourself up” emotionally because of yesterday’s decisions and instead assess what choices you do have! It is never too late for many life opportunities – to go back to school or to learn a new skill, to connect with others in meaningful relationships, or to change your negative self-perception or attitude. Grow past the pain of mistakes. Grow past the shame. Be involved in things that will bring you gladness, not guilt, for today and for the future.

Learn From Your Mistakes

Learn five tips to help you forgive yourself and get over the past mistakes that are keeping you from moving forward.