The Power of Regret; How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward

The Power of Regret – A Transformative Look at Our Most Misunderstood Emotion

“The world needs this book.” — Brené Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author

An instant New York Times bestseller | Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR and the Financial Times

From Daniel H. Pink, the bestselling author of Drive and When, comes a groundbreaking exploration of regret—an emotion often dismissed but, in reality, one of the most powerful tools for growth and change.

In The Power of Regret, Pink challenges the popular “no regrets” mindset, revealing that regret is not a sign of failure but a universal and essential part of being human. Drawing on cutting-edge research in psychology, neuroscience, and biology, as well as the largest study of regret ever conducted—including insights from his World Regret Survey (with over 15,000 participants from 105 countries)—Pink identifies the four core regrets that shape our lives.

Through compelling real-life stories and practical takeaways, this book shows how understanding and rethinking regret can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and a more meaningful life. Just as he did in his previous bestsellers, Pink makes complex ideas engaging, accessible, and deeply actionable, proving that regret, when harnessed correctly, can be a powerful force for change.