Masters in Business · Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Dr. Grummitt highlights that regret often stems from 'in-action regrets'—things not done—rather than 'action regrets.' He shares the story of a patient who attempted to climb Mount Everest and, despite not reaching the summit, found immense value in the courage to try, suggesting that the effort itself is what prevents future regret.
“So what you're talking about is the difference between the two different types of regrets. There are action regrets and in action regrets. Action regrets are man, you know, I really wish I got better sleep last night because then I wouldn't have gotten to that accident today and hurt that person, right, That is an action regret, and in action regret is Wow, I'm now sitting on my deathbed and I really had this dream that I never pursued.”
“He trained for six months and then he went and started climbing Mount Everest. The weather changed. He never made it much past Spase Camp and then he went back to work. And then I met him in his forties when he was dying, and all he wanted to talk about was that trip to Everest and what it felt like to be on the mountain. Here's the magic. You don't even need to succeed. All you have to do is have the courage to try. That's what people don't get. You will regret not whether you succeeded or failed. You will regret that you didn't give it your best.”