That's Fit

I don't know about you but for me, regret often is not worth whatever action I've taken that seemed so important in the moment. Sugar gives me a headache, for example. If the urge to eat something sweet sweeps over me and I give in, I'll surely regret it moments after the sugar sinks into my system. My headache won't be worth succumbing to my craving, and regret will plague me for much longer than I'd like.

Regret is OK, healthy even, says Abigail Stewart, PhD., professor of psychology and women's studies at the University of Michigan. Regret is not such a bad thing, reveals Stewart, because it can be used to your advantage.

Women often take action based on their regrets. In my case, my sugar regret causes me to not eat sugar. Taking such action, reports Stewart, causes women to score higher on physical and psychological measures of well-being later in life.

Sorry you missed a recent workout? Or had a bad diet day? Wish you hadn't put off that doctor's appointment for months and months? Don't worry. Don't fixate on your regret. Just use it as motivator for change. You'll be better for the wisdom and self-awareness you gain from making up for what you coulda, shoulda, woulda done.

Regret helps prime you for success. So don't cry over your spilled milk. Instead, mop it up and be happy for the clean slate that lies before you.