3 Simple Strategies to Avoid Regret

1. Make the right kinds of plans

Researchers have found that we’re more likely to follow through on our goals when we develop implementation intentions—plans for how to achieve our goals.

Think about what you don’t want to miss out on this week (or month or year) and develop a specific, concrete plan. Your plan should include the details of how you will carry out your goal.

• Who are you going to do it with?
• What do you need to do ahead of time to prepare?
• When are you going to do it?
• Where do you need to go?

Once you have your plan set, put it on your calendar and set a reminder. We’re more likely to follow through on things when we have them scheduled.

2. Don’t try to optimize every decision

Research has shown that constantly trying to find the best options can actually make us less happy and less satisfied with the options we choose.

How can you tell when you’re trying to optimize? Think about your expectations and how much time and energy you’ve spent trying to make your decision. Are you spending hours reading reviews and checking every available store in search of the perfect item? Are you having a hard time saying “yes” to events so you can keep your options open in case something better comes up?

3. Be okay with missing out on some things

Instead of having a hard time saying “yes,” we have a hard time saying “no.” Our desire to do everything can stem from the same fear that drives our pursuit of perfection: FOMO (fear of missing out). Once you figure out what the most important things are, let go of the rest. And instead of focusing on what you might be losing by letting go, focus on what you’re gaining. Remind yourself that by missing out on some of the little things, you’ll be less likely to miss out on the really important things.

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

How would you avoid regret?

#Regret #Self-help #MentalHealth

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