On December 31, we sent a tweet on regret versus hope through our Twitter feed.
We wrote ten simple words:
"Some look back in regret. Others look forward in hope."
One statement expresses pessimism, the other optimism.
Some people call this "seeing the glass as half empty" versus "seeing the glass as half full."
A truck driver who is paid by the hour -- and whose company experiences its slow season in the winter -- bemoaned his low paycheck from last week.
I commented that he had had Christmas Day off.
Behind this statement were two others:
How many other truckers were home with their families on Christmas Day?
I also commented that as low as his paycheck was, it was better than zero.
A lot of people have no jobs -- and no income -- right now.
Plus, this driver had the opportunity to earn more.
Often, if we examine things carefully, we can find the good in them.
For example, if Mike had not had an on-the-job accident, we never would have learned about a way to have uncapped income.
Now that we do, we can also help rescue other truckers from their linear income.
Regret versus hope also has an impact on one's physical health and wellness.
Positive and negative thoughts matter.
If you've ever seen guys get "psyched up" before playing a sporting event, you know this is true.
So, no matter what time of year it is when you read this, you can determine to look forward in hope for the future versus looking backward in regret over the past.
What will this look like for you?
Here are a few ideas that may spur your thinking:
Consider the pros and cons of each move you make.
Carefully evaluate everything.
I wish you well on your prosperous future!
Note: This article -- which was originally written and published on January 3, 2014, by Vicki Simons -- was updated slightly in 2018.
Return from Regret Versus Hope to our Health and Wellness page or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.