The Regret Minimization Framework

A major life decision requires thoughtful consideration, and for many, money weighs heavily in the balance. The allure of quick, short-term gains often outweighs the potential for long-term satisfaction.

But what if we could project ourselves into the future and consider what our future selves would say about our choices? That's where the Regret Minimization Framework comes in.

A great example of good use of this framework is Jeff Bezos. Bezos imagined himself at age 80, looking back at his life, and thought about what he would regret. He realized that he would not regret trying and failing, but he would regret not having tried at all. This framework helped him make a decision that prioritized the long term and aligned with the judgment of his imaginary old self.

At the heart of the Regret Minimization Framework is the Livelihood pillar of the LEVELL Framework. Your chosen Livelihood should align with your personal mission and enable you to accomplish the items on your bucket list.

I faced a similar decision after graduating with my MBA. I had a tempting offer to work for a tech company in Silicon Valley with a high salary and the potential for short-term gains. But the opportunity was not aligned with my personal mission, and I would not have been able to pursue my life's goals.

The alternative was to start a company with a purpose that I was very much passionate about. It was much more aligned with my personal mission, and it enabled me to pursue the things I wanted to accomplish in my life.

I rejected the offer and moved back to Mexico to start my company. My destiny didn't fare as well as Jeff Bezos, but I have never regretted my decision. Being an entrepreneur has shaped me in many ways and has brought experiences that I would have never been able to learn at that other job. Most importantly, it gave my future 80-year-old self peace of mind knowing that I took a risk to pursue something meaningful.