We have all had those days that nothing seems to be working out. We become stressed and frustrated (normally after having expectations of a person or situation) and the day just seems to get worse and worse until we truly feel like it is the worst day we have ever had. This is when we start to focus on everything in our lives that we don’t like, all the mistakes we have made, the negative…

A friend was in one of these moods and I said to him, “Try thinking about ten things you are grateful for.” He responded, “I DON’T FEEL LIKE BEING POSITIVE RIGHT NOW!”

That’s the first clue to what is really going on. At this point he has convinced himself he is entitled to feel this way. He is focusing on regretting his decisions earlier in the day and after much ranting when he has calmed down slightly he says, “I really thought I would get a better grade on my exam.”

He was upset about something he had a right to be upset about. But what makes him think that it will solve anything to have regret? Spending time in regret is a waste of time. It is important to process our emotions and our decision making process in a situation that way we can learn from our experiences. But than its time to take action by adjusting out future choices. The future IS something we can effect. The past is gone and cannot be changed. Therefore spending time regretting those things that are impossible to change (the past) is a waste of time!

If you are as interested in being successful as you think you are than you will spend that time instead by learning from each life event.

A mistake is only a mistake if you don’t learn from it.