It's the thought that counts.

Today, a few words on the subject of regret. It's been a popular discussion topic around our house this week, as we bemoan the fact that high school athletes in our area feel pressure to choose one--and only one--sport at a very young age. The overriding question, of course, is, "What if they regret the choice? What if it's a bad decision?"

Given my penchant for overthinking things, I have some thoughts on this. I will attempt to boil it down for you. I believe that, as long as one engages in thoughtful consideration of the magnitude and the possible outcomes of a decision, one should not have any regrets.

I'm not referring to big-ticket items like, "Should I tuck this unlicensed handgun into my jeans and then carry it into a nightclub?" Or penny-ante stakes such as, "Should I eat that death-by-chocolate dessert?"

No, no, no. I mean the decisions we face that might alter our course on the great journey of life without landing us in prison--or violating our core principles (and, no, I don't mean the dessert). Decisions such as finally having it out with your boss after months of biting your tongue, or making a career change that may not play out the way you hope. Choosing between suitors. Or even, as mentioned above, choosing between sports.

I'm not saying that people don't make bad decisions, but I think "bad" is really another word for "thoughtless." A decision made in haste or based on incomplete data is sort of like an engraved invitation to regret. But as long we make educated choices and remain mindful of our values and goals, we should feel good about our choices. Because even if we decide later that perhaps we should have taken the other road, that realization becomes data for future decision-making.

Don't you think?