5 Keys to Letting go of the Weight of Regret and Failure

It’s easy to allow the weight of yesterday to carry into our life. Past failures, regrets of the action you took or should have taken, and shame easily accumulates and affects us.

If we’re not careful, this weight will not only slow us down but completely stop us from achieving our biggest dreams. It can lead to dissatisfaction with yourself and life.

I know because I’ve been there. I’ve failed; I’ve lived under the burden of constant regret because I never lived to my maximum potential. I lived life half way, and it produced constant failure and regret that led to shame. It’s a heavy weight to carry!

If you want to get rid of the weight that has held you back, live your life without being hindered by your past; then the following points are for you.

1. Identify the weight that you’ve carried. Sometimes we’re not aware of the events of our past that have held us back. What have you regretted most? What past failures have you allowed to shape your actions and beliefs? Being aware will give you the power to create a better future. Take some time to reflect and write these things down.

2. Start fresh and new. Once you’ve identified these areas, the next step is to decide to start fresh. Decide that each day you wake up is an opportunity for something new.

The power of starting fresh can be seen in New Years resolutions. There’s something about the New Year that rejuvenates you; it presents an opportunity to start again; to let go of the past and become more.

Unfortunately, the majority of New Years resolutions fail within the first few months. Why? Because the fresh perspective is lost. Weight accumulates again, and eventually many people find themselves worse off.

The great news is that New Years is simply another day on the calendar. There’s nothing particularly special about the New Year except what we create in our mind.

The secret is to treat each day as if it was New Years. Bring that fresh perspective to each day as if each day was an opportunity to create something Big. It is!

3. Forgive yourself every day. Weight accumulates because we fail to forgive ourselves. We set high expectations of ourselves, and when we fail to reach them, we create resentment. When you fail, it’s ok. When you don’t live up to your expectations, forgive yourself and move on.

4. Recommit. Most failure and regret are the results of a missed commitment. After you’ve forgiven yourself, simply recommit to becoming more and achieving what you desire. Without recommitting, you open the door to more regret.

5. Re-read number 2. The secret key in all of this is living each day with a fresh perspective. Treat every day as if your past failures and actions have never happened before. Treat each day as if you’re just getting started and watch the weight fly away.