Americans are more likely REGRETS the things they didn't do rather than the things they did.
This according to one survey of 2,000 American adults evenly divided by generation, which found that only 11% of Americans have no regrets.
Between not talking (40%), not visiting family or friends enough (36%) and no following their dreams (35%), those missed opportunities add up.
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Over the course of their lifetime, Americans average three missed chances to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip, four missed opportunities to pursue their passion, and six times they don't have the perfect comeback in an argument.
On the other hand, the top actions Americans regret include spending money or buying something (49%), arguing with friends or family (43%) and making an inappropriate comment (36%).
Over the years, Americans also regret an average of five angry texts and two breakups.
In fact, nearly a third (32%) of adults have a regret that spans three decades and still crosses their mind an average of three times a month.
While millennials' oldest regret is only about 11 years old, they worry about it on average almost once a week, more than any other generation.
Related: Top 5 regrets of mid-career professionals
Directed by Speaker research on behalf of Mucinexthe results found that Americans are almost twice as likely to make bad decisions at night (41%) than in the morning (22%).
Additionally, Americans tend to regret something more at night (43%). Night decisions such as no going to bed at a good time (47%), eating too many snacks or too much food (36%) and fighting with a loved one (35%) are most likely to negatively affect Americans the next morning.
For Gen Zers, failing to do their nightly routine (29%) or forgetting to turn on their alarm (22%) will almost always ensure discomfort in the morning.
These poor choices not only cause regret, but also put Americans in a bad mood (39%), leave them unable to face the day (29%) or even prevent them from fulfilling the day's responsibilities (20%). ).
Related: 10 Terrible Habits You're Doing Right Now That Are Draining Your Energy
But what factors are contributing to these bad decisions? According to the results, being tired (40%), sick and desperate for relief (20%) or after a long night out (15%) are the most likely culprits.
“We don't make the best decisions when we're sick or tired, especially at night,” says Albert So, Reckitt's upper respiratory marketing director. “And while no one is going to get it right every time, it's important to have products you can rely on to help you make better decisions so you don't wake up with regrets.”
For all the bad decisions made and opportunities missed, 48% of Americans still agree with the common saying, “Never regret anything because, at one point, it was exactly what you wanted.”
This may be because almost two-thirds (64%) believe that their DECISION it has gotten better with age.
The results also revealed that some “bad” decisions do not always result in feelings of regret. Staying up late with friends (24%), leaving a job (23%), taking a chance on a new food (20%), moving to a new place (17%), and going to a concert on a weeknight (10%) are all choices Americans consider that “they were worth it”.
“Few things are worse than starting the day regretting a choice you made the night before, especially when you're suffering from cold and flu symptoms and have a busy day ahead of you,” says So. “Feeling better starts with a good night's sleep and making smart decisions before bed so you wake up feeling ready to go without regrets.”