We all have those moments when we freeze up, afraid to make a choice because we might regret it later.
Maybe you didn’t take a job, start a relationship, or move to a new city—and now you keep wondering, “What if?”
Learning how to get over the fear of regret is about trusting yourself enough to make decisions, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
If you’re tired of letting the fear of regret run your life, these simple steps can help you move forward with confidence.
7 Steps for How to Get Over The Fear of Regret
#1. Recognize the Fear for What It Is
Fear of regret often hides behind indecision.
We tell ourselves we’re “thinking it through,” but really, we’re scared of making the wrong move.
A co-worker once spent months debating whether to buy a house because he was afraid of regretting a bad investment.
But once he realized that doing nothing was also a choice—with its own regrets—he finally acted.
Studies show people tend to regret missed opportunities far more than mistakes they actually made.
#2. Write Down Your What-Ifs
Sometimes the fear feels bigger in your head than it is on paper.
Grab a notebook and list your biggest “what-if” regrets.
For example: What if I start a business and fail? or What if I never try and always wonder what could have been?
A friend of mine did this exercise and realized most of his worries were based on unlikely scenarios.
Seeing those fears in black and white made them easier to manage—and less powerful.
#3. Take Small, Low-Risk Steps
You don’t have to make huge life changes to move past regret anxiety.
Start small.
If you’re scared to switch careers, take an online class in your new field first.
If you’re afraid to travel, plan a weekend trip nearby.
A co-worker of mine wanted to write a book but was terrified of failing.
So she started by writing one page a day.
That small step built her confidence—and her fear slowly faded.
#4. Accept That Mistakes Are Part of Life
You can’t live a full life without making a few wrong turns.
The good news?
Mistakes rarely ruin your life the way you imagine they will.
One friend started a side business that didn’t work out.
Sure, she lost a little money—but she learned skills that helped her land a better job later.
Regret doesn’t have to mean failure; sometimes it’s just a lesson wearing a different outfit.
#5. Focus on What You Can Control
Regret often comes from wanting to control outcomes you simply can’t.
You can’t predict the future, but you can control your choices and effort.
If you’re scared of regretting a breakup, for example, focus on what you’ve already tried to fix.
If you’ve done your best and still feel unhappy, that’s enough.
A friend once told me she regretted not leaving a toxic friendship sooner.
What helped her move on was realizing she couldn’t control the other person—only her own peace of mind.
#6. Remember That Uncertainty Is Normal
Every big decision carries some unknowns.
You might regret taking the leap—or you might regret never jumping at all.
The truth is, there’s no way to avoid every “what-if.”
A former co-worker passed on a job in another state because he feared it wouldn’t work out.
A year later, the same company offered him a remote role.
It turned out fine, but he learned that uncertainty doesn’t have to mean fear—it can also mean opportunity.
#7. Reframe Regret as Growth
Instead of viewing regret as a punishment, think of it as feedback.
It’s your brain’s way of saying, “Here’s what matters to you.”
When you treat regret as a teacher, you grow wiser with every experience.
A friend of mine regretted dropping out of college—but that regret pushed her to go back later and finish her degree.
Regret isn’t the enemy. Staying stuck because of it is.
Scientists say regret can actually help us make better choices in the future.
Final Thoughts
he fear of regret can make you second-guess everything, but it doesn’t have to control your life.
When you face it head-on, take small steps forward, and accept that mistakes are part of growth, you’ll find the courage to make choices with confidence.
In the end, the only real regret is letting fear keep you from living fully.
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Jon Dulin is the passionate leader of Unfinished Success, a personal development website that inspires people to take control of their own lives and reach their full potential. His commitment to helping others achieve greatness shines through in everything he does. He’s an unstoppable force with lots of wisdom, creativity, and enthusiasm – all focused on helping others build a better future. Jon enjoys writing articles about productivity, goal setting, self-development, and mindset. He also uses quotes and affirmations to help motivate and inspire himself. You can learn more about him on his About page.