The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward By Daniel H. Pink

About The Book

Everybody has regrets, Daniel H. Pink explains in The Power of Regret. They’re a universal and healthy part of being human. And understanding how regret works can help us make smarter decisions, perform better at work and school, and bring greater meaning to our lives. Drawing on research in social psychology, neuroscience, and biology, Pink debunks the myth of the “no regrets” philosophy of life. And using the largest sampling of American attitudes about regret ever conducted as well as his own World Regret Survey—which has collected regrets from more than 15,000 people in 105 countries—he lays out the four core regrets that each of us has. These deep regrets offer compelling insights into how we live and how we can find a better path forward. As he did in his bestsellers Drive, When, and A Whole New Mind, Pink lays out a dynamic new way of thinking about regret and frames his ideas in ways that are clear, accessible, and pragmatic. Packed with true stories of people's regrets as well as practical takeaways for reimagining regret as a positive force, The Power of Regret shows how we can live richer, more engaged lives.

Editorial Reviews

“The Power of Regret dives deep into the research behind the 'most misunderstood' emotion and brings it to life through accessible human storytelling.” —Forbes

“Regret could be overdue for its own rebranding. … [A] look back might be the way to move forward. We might find lessons lurking in moments we’ve pushed from the light. Regret has long been considered a sign of weakness, but what if we saw it as a strength?”—The Washington Post

“Prolific author Pink seamlessly blends neuroscience, psychology and more for a new look at what he sees as a misunderstood emotion—regret. Pink draws on the largest survey ever done about Americans' attitudes toward regret to reshape the way we think about it, creating his own three-step process for using regret to one's advantage in this inspiring guide." —Newsweek

"This pragmatic guide to harnessing the power of the past…assembles an impressive array of research and includes some moving stories of people dealing with mistakes…readers looking to shake their shame should start here.” —Publishers Weekly

"An insightful and rewarding glimpse into the emotional pathways of human contrition. . . .Pink offers practical guidance on how readers can thrive beyond their mistakes, molding them into learning opportunities.” —Kirkus

About Author

Daniel H. Pink

Daniel H. Pink is the author of several books including the New York Times bestsellers When, Drive, To Sell is Human, and A Whole New Mind. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into 39 languages. He lives with his family in Washington, DC.