If this sounds familiar, the reason you stay stuck in this cycle likely has to do with your mind's tendency to disguise rumination as "problem-solving." You might be under the impression that you're figuring out what went wrong or making sure you will not repeat the mistake. However, in reality, you're just reinforcing the guilt and trapping yourself even further in the same emotional cycle. Over time, this habit can end up chipping away at your confidence, relationships, and most importantly, your sense of self.