"I decided I can't pay a person to rewind time, so I may as well get over it"

Regret can be a heavy burden, weighing on the mind long after a moment has passed. People often wish they could undo missteps or replay events with the knowledge they have now, hoping for a fresh outcome. Yet, the reality remains unalterable, time only moves forward. Recognizing this, Serena Williams asserts a simple but important truth: no amount of money, influence, or determination can buy a second chance at a moment that’s already gone. Accepting that fact is both liberating and essential for personal growth.

Holding onto past mistakes or disappointments is a natural impulse. Many people replay decisions in their heads, wondering what might have been. The temptation to dwell on those moments can become a distraction, making it difficult to fully engage with the present or prepare for the future. Yet, the effort spent wishing for a rewind is ultimately futile. Real progress comes from the recognition that the past cannot be purchased, fixed, or relived, regardless of one’s status or resources.

By making the conscious choice to “get over it,” Serena demonstrates resilience and emotional intelligence. Refusing to be trapped by regret frees her energy and attention for what lies ahead. This mindset is pivotal, not only for elite athletes but for anyone striving for fulfillment or success. It involves humility, accepting imperfections, and letting go of guilt or self-blame. Such acceptance leads to a healthier relationship with oneself, fostering growth from experience rather than lingering on what cannot be changed.

This perspective encourages ownership of one’s actions without being imprisoned by them. Learning from the past while refusing to be defined by it makes it possible to face new challenges with clarity and purpose. Above all, it highlights a hard-won lesson: peace of mind comes not from rewriting old stories, but by accepting them, moving forward, and making better choices in the moments yet to come.