Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: Overcoming Regrets, Mistakes, and Missed Opportunities

by Arthur Freeman

Who of us can claim never to have made a mistake, missed a goal, regretted a choice, or suffered because of another's action? For those who suffer from a constant sense of regret about the past, who feel their present lives have been immutably shaped by actions they could or should or would have taken but didn't, real help is at hand. In clear, uncomplicated language, Dr. Arthur Freeman, a leading exponent of cognitive therapy, and his colleague Rose DeWolf, a skillful translator of the cognitive method, describe the techniques and provide exercises that will enable readers to actually "unblock" the past. The authors demonstrate that wouldo/coulda/shoulda thinking can be unlearned and that this process can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1900

Reviews

[Unpil · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read about dealing with regrets and moving on with one’s life. Highly recommended!

[Corinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this from start to finish. I found it incredibly helpful for me personally.

[Redjellydonut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice...didn't work. That's all on me.

[Richard Carilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical Score: 4.75
Personal Score: 4.75
Total Score: 9.5

[Bugra]

The OG of cognitive behavioral therapy. He does a great job of giving the gist of the therapeutic method while focusing on practicality, which is what non-expert audience need.

[PAP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to get an idea of what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was and perhaps some simple ways to implement it into my life. I got what I wanted and for the first time, I think a "self-help" book actually helped.

The authors' prodigious numbers of metaphors drew their points clearly. Repetition seems to be the key to CBT - write it down, repeat. This, of course, places new and bright light on the idea of daily affirmations and it's something I'm willing to give a try.

The book also made a decent case for letting mistakes in one's past go and why we should let them. Glad I read this one. Three and a half stars.

[Jaime Marmolejo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one after my divorce. Its good and it helps but it still leaves you with "Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda". Basically, things happen for a reason.

[Nathaniel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to manage regrets.

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing and very helpful book for everyone. I highly recommend this, I have read it more than a dozen of time throughout my life time. This is a keeper of my book collection.