Sometimes we feel sad, repentant, or disappointed about something that has happened in the past, this can include a loss or missed opportunity (i.e., something that did not actually happen).
Regret is our emotional response related to a desire to revisit the past and make a different decision because the consequences of the decision were unfavorable. In this case, we believe a perceived opportunity was lost.
Mitigating the Risk of Regret
Regret can be avoided by validating your choices before committing to a course of action. Choosing your course of action always includes a chance the results will not be as expected and may even be disappointing.
Confidence in your choice should be founded on your own internal acknowledgment that regardless of the outcomes, based on what you know at the time you decided, it was the right decision.
It is this confidence that will enable you to avoid regrets. However, this should not be blind confidence, that is basically a determination that is not based on evidence or determined by reason but rather a confidence founded on thoughtful reasoning.
Avoiding Regret
Regret will never be missed and provides you will little value. What is done (or not done) in the past cannot be changed. That is not to say there are no redo’s, there often is the opportunity to try again. This is an option you may choose.
The key is to be confident in the path you choose works at the moment and if it does not work out in final denouncement then fine, and that is time to just move on (no regrets).
Accepting your choice, being comfortable with what happens, good or bad allows you to remain in good spirits, regardless. After all, it is your choice.