I've made a bad decision concerning not taking a promotion and I have a lot of regret. I think about it all

Question

the time and it's affecting my current position. How do I get over this?

Answer 1

First impressions about a situation are often the most true and reliable. Caution is not a weakness. If it hasn't affected your present work situation (like having a former co-worker who didn't like you now as your boss or there is no opportunity for future advancement) just keep up the good work as that is what got you the offer for promotion in the first place. If your ruminations about the promotion, as you say, are affecting your work just stop dwelling on it; it does no good for future promotions to regret somrthing that can't be changed.

If, however, the work situation has changed for the worse for you as a result of the "shakeup" then you will have to adapt or look for a more suitable situation within the hierarchy or elsewhere. Don't lapse into the trap of "hating yourself" or the person that got the promotion because you now think you could do as good or better job than he/she is doing. Hating never helps and usually worsens a situation.

If you decide to look elsewhere for a position remember you have qualified already there as potential for promotion so look for a better work situation. It may even be more desirable than the one already offered you.

Good luck, good health, peace and love!

Answer 2

If there is nothing you can do to redo your decision that it is time to start thinking about an alternate future.
Given that this promotion decision is in the past and isn't an option, what do you want now.
Make a list of what you want your future to look like. When ever you have thoughts of regret or the past get back to your list and focus on what you can do now to create the future you want.

Answer 3

Tell your boss that you regret your decision. If the person in the position doesn't work out or like it it's probably yours for the taking.

Answer 4

Accept the situation and move on.