Do you look back on your choices, decisions and actions and wonder if you should have done things differently? I used to. In this article I’m suggesting you reframe these sometimes unhelpful and unkind thoughts and instead explore 7 steps to living a life without regret.
IS IT TIME TO LET GO OF REGRET?
Sometimes I look back on my life and wonder about the decisions I’ve made and the actions I’ve taken. I wonder if you do the same? One of my evening journaling sessions made me reflect on this recently.
Do I regret anything from my past? If so, why? How else could I think about it if not as regret?
Pondering on this is what prompted this article you’re reading now.
Regret is something we all experience at some point—missed opportunities, things left unsaid, or choices we wish we had made differently. But life isn’t about dwelling on the past; it’s about moving forward with intention and making choices that align with who you truly are.
Living without regret doesn’t mean never making mistakes. Instead, it’s about living in a way that allows you to look back without wishing you had done things differently. It’s about making choices that feel right in the present so that your future self can look back with peace.
7 STEPS TO LIVING A LIFE WITHOUT REGRET
If you want to live a life that feels meaningful, intentional, and free from lingering “what ifs,” here are seven steps to help you create a life without regret.
1. Prioritise What Truly Matters to You
One of the biggest causes of regret is realising too late that we spent too much time on things that didn’t truly matter. It’s easy to get caught up in the expectations of others, societal pressures, or chasing things that don’t bring genuine happiness.
Take time to reflect on what really matters to you. Is it relationships, personal growth, creativity, adventure, or making a difference? Once you identify what’s truly important, make those things a priority in your daily life. If you value family, spend more time with them. If you love travel, start planning your next adventure. The more you align your actions with your values, the less room there is for regret.
2. Let Go of Fear and Take More Chances
Fear is one of the biggest barriers to living a life without regret. Fear of failure, rejection, or stepping outside of our comfort zones can hold us back from pursuing dreams and taking meaningful risks. But the truth is, the biggest regrets often come from the chances we didn’t take rather than the ones we did.
Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Say yes to opportunities that excite you, even if they feel intimidating. Speak up when something matters to you. Try the things you’ve always wanted to do, even if they scare you a little. The more you embrace uncertainty and take action despite fear, the more fulfilled and confident you’ll feel.
3. Express Your Feelings and Speak Your Truth
Many people regret not saying what they truly felt—whether it’s telling someone they love them, apologising for past mistakes, or standing up for themselves. Suppressing emotions or avoiding difficult conversations can lead to unresolved feelings and lingering regrets.
Make it a habit to express your feelings honestly and openly. Tell the people in your life that you appreciate them. If you need to apologise, do it sooner rather than later. If something is weighing on your heart, have the conversation. Even if it feels uncomfortable, speaking your truth will give you peace of mind, knowing that you were honest and authentic.
4. Stop Worrying About What Others Think
Worrying too much about the opinions of others can stop you from living the life you truly want. Whether it’s fear of judgement, criticism, or not fitting in, trying to please everyone often leads to making choices that don’t align with your true self.
The truth is, people will always have opinions, but their opinions don’t define you. Focus on what makes you happy, rather than seeking approval from others. When you make choices based on what feels right for you, rather than what others expect, you’ll feel more authentic and free—without looking back with regret.
5. Let Go of Perfectionism and Embrace Growth
Many people hold themselves back because they’re waiting for the “perfect” moment or afraid of making mistakes. But perfectionism is a trap—it keeps you stuck in fear and prevents you from taking action.
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress. Allow yourself to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Life is about experiences, not getting everything right the first time. When you shift your mindset from “I have to be perfect” to “I am learning and evolving,” you’ll take more action and feel less regret about the things you didn’t try.
6. Make Time for What Brings You Joy
It’s easy to get caught up in responsibilities, routines, and daily pressures, leaving little time for the things that truly bring joy. But when we don’t make space for happiness, we often look back wishing we had spent more time enjoying life.
Prioritise joy in your daily life. Do things that light you up—whether it’s painting, dancing, spending time in nature, playing music, or simply laughing with loved ones. Even small moments of joy can make life feel richer and more fulfilling. When you prioritise happiness now, you create a life with fewer regrets later.
7. Live in the Present and Appreciate the Moment
Regret often comes from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. But true fulfilment comes from embracing the present moment. When you focus on what’s happening now, you reduce stress, deepen your relationships, and fully experience life as it unfolds.
Practise mindfulness by being present in your daily activities—whether it’s enjoying a meal without distractions, truly listening in conversations, or noticing the beauty around you. The more you appreciate the present, the less you’ll look back wishing you had paid more attention.
CONCLUSION
Living without regret isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making choices that align with your values, taking chances, expressing yourself, and prioritising what truly matters.
If you’re worried about regret, start making small changes today. Take that first step toward something you’ve always wanted to do. Tell someone how much they mean to you. Let go of fear and embrace the present moment.
Your life is happening now—make it one you’ll look back on with love, gratitude, and peace.
Do you feel the negativity of regret or do you look back on past decisions and actions as a learning experience? Has your approach changed over time as you get older? I’d love to hear from you so please leave a comment at the end of the article.
Here are some other articles which you might enjoy:
- 14 Ways to Reset Your Life
- 4 Questions to Inspire a Simpler Life Aligned With Your Priorities
- Set Your Intention and Transform Your Day
- 10 Important Reasons to Find a Hobby You Enjoy
- 30 Mindfulness Journal Prompts to Ease a Troubled Mind
- 7 Ways to Cultivate a More Meaningful Life
GET A FREE PRINTABLE
Regret is yet another unhelpful addition to our mental clutter. Use this free Mental Declutter Checklist to clear your mind of those feelings of ‘should have’ or ‘what if’. They’re not supporting you to build your best life, it’s time to let them go. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it.
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.