Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.
― Henry David Thoreau

People often say “If only…” If only I had said this, or done that. I imagine it would be hard to find someone without a single regret.

I recently came across a video posted by Good.is (one of my favorite online stops). The video was produced by Aplus, in a project with Strayer University and their “Make This Year Your Ideal Year” project. It’s all about regret.

Aplus and Strayer put a chalkboard up in New York City, encouraging people to share their biggest regret. It filled up with sad phrases about words not spoken, passions not followed, and chances not taken.

I was afraid of failing
not saying yes to things
not saying I love you
never going after my dreams
burning bridges
staying in my comfort zone

And then resilience kicks in. Resilient people are able to put their regrets aside and look forward. Rather than dwell on a mistake, they reframe their thinking and regain control of their thoughts about what happened. They take action, refuse to give in and instead turn to possibility and purpose. It’s like being given a lovely clean slate and new opportunity.

Watch what happens when they’re given an eraser.