Limitless Monday – Don’t Dwell on Past Decisions

Limitless Monday – Don’t dwell on past decisions

 

 

 

The other day I was listening to Mike Tyson being interviewed in between training for his most recent fight. When asked if he had regrets in life he responded that he did. And went on to explain that it was natural; it’s how we handle and live with these regrets that is important, he told the interviewer.

 

That is one point of view. Mine is that you should have no regrets. You make a decision, you own it and take the pain and the rewards whatever the outcome of that decision.

 

When I have time to contemplate the twists and turns of my own life there are potentially many reasons to feel regret, but then I look deeper and realize that all those decisions led me to the person I am now including the miracle of bringing my children into the world.

 

My life went from jet setting around the world, an abundance of money, multiple homes and businesses to working in a Russian kitchen washing pots and pans at below minimum wage. As I leaned against the sink my mind would often drift to where it had all gone wrong and why I had embarked on a self destructive path. I can’t deny this wasn’t a regular thought pattern despite how much I tried to rationalize the situation.

 

My rationalization process took the following form. Firstly, my current circumstances were temporary.

Secondly, it’s a much needed break from the stress of an entrepreneurial life.

Thirdly, if I hadn’t taken the risks and followed that particular path, ultimately it would not have led me to having my youngest son.

Fourthly, this has been a learning experience, I’ll learn from this and make it even bigger next time.

And finally, it’s a great story to tell or even write about.

 

Rationalizing will never rid you permanently of these kinds of thoughts. Your emotional mind wants to regret, but it’s not what the rational mind wants. It’s an ongoing battle.

 

To conquer regret you must stand on top of the hill of regret and plant your flag in its heart. That can be achieved by reaching the dizzy heights of success, finding a new and better relationship, a better job, passing an exam that up until now has eluded you, traveling, writing a book, or starting a business. Regret will remain no matter the amount of rationalizing you do unless you take steps to overcome your inner demons.

 

Happy Monday!

 

Banner Image: Regret. Image Credit – Craig_Steffan