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

“The world needs this book.” —Brené Brown, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Dare to Lead and Atlas of the Heart

An instant New York Times bestseller

As featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post

Named a Must Read of 2022 by Forbes, Newsweek, and Goodreads

From the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of When and Drive, a new book about the transforming power of our most misunderstood yet potentially most valuable emotion: regret.

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

Review

Praise for The Power of Regret:

“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

"As he so often does, Daniel Pink transformed my understanding of a subject and convinced me of the power of regret. Through his remarkable research, I learned not only what people regret, but also how to optimize those regrets. Every time I read a Daniel Pink book, I walk away a better and more informed person.” —Sanjay Gupta, M.D., Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN

“I love that Daniel Pink is taking on one of the best (and toughest) teachers in my life—regret. I’ve always known that regret deepened my connection to myself and to others, but now, thanks to Dan’s research and storytelling, I understand why.  The idea of 'no regrets' doesn’t mean living with courage. It means living without reflection. The world needs this book and more reflection. Now.” —Brené Brown, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Dare to Lead

“If you have long assumed that 'no regrets’ is the way to live life, then this book is for you. The incomparably candid, clear, and concise Daniel Pink summarizes the latest science on looking backward on what could have been and shows how it can vault you forward to a happier, more productive, and principled life.” —Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit

About the Author

Daniel H. Pink’s books have helped readers and organizations around the world rethink how they live and operate. He is the author the New York Times bestsellers A Whole New Mind, Drive, To Sell Is Human, and When. His books have sold millions of copies, have been translated into forty-two languages, and have won multiple awards. He lives with his family in Washington, D.C.