The Editing Eagle

I love to read—sometimes a bit too much. 

I’m known for having multiple books on my bedside table, on the coffee table or in my study. 

I get into a cycle of loving books so much that I just want to read everything. Yet I’m learning to chill out and just enjoy a book (or two) at a time. 

One of those books I recently enjoyed was a brightly coloured yellow and blue cover called The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel H. Pink.

As the endorsement by Brene Brown on the back cover reads, “the world needs this book . . . now,” I concur.

I am one who generally doesn’t like to focus on the past—it often causes me too much to cringe. But I found the exercise of reflecting on my regrets somewhat powerful—ironically, perhaps the point of the book. Pink suggests that regret helps our future—our regrets steer the way for better choices in the future.

As I pondered on some of my regrets, I realised fear has often been the driver of my life: “Should I?” “Could I?” “What would happen if I . . . ?”

I’ve often procrastinated doing anything for fear of not doing the right thing. But I’m learning that sometimes any decision is better than no decision.

Why I liked this book, for one, because I believe we can all learn from others. For those that are courageous enough to share their regrets, they are giving a gift to us. When you’ve walked through hardship, have learnt some lessons or had any kind of experience in life, you gain maturity and wisdom. We learn and grow from the wisdom of others.

As I read countless entries from the World Regret Survey pencilled in Pink’s book, I realised I have an opportunity—I can use these regrets as lessons for myself. By hearing of someone else’s pain of regret, I can grow from it. 

Life has a similar truth for us all. When I have regrets, while they might be painful, I know that one day sharing them with others can help give someone hope for their situation—or it could be a wonderful inspiration or learning experience.

I read about people in their fifties, sixties and seventies who have regrets of the past, and while to some I may seem “super old”, I know that I have an opportunity right now to learn from others and make choices today that will shape my future and those around me.

So, here’s to avoiding, cringing and neglecting the reflection of regret, and hello to a new way of living! 

Thanks, Daniel!