STOP SAYING SORRY: HOW TO QUIT APOLOGIZING TOO MUCH

Published by Barbara Ratti in self development · Sunday 27 May 2018
Tags: #sorry, #don't, be, sorry, #focus, on, positivity, #well, being

I was walking down the sidewalk when a guy focused on texting on his phone hit my left shoulder. It was entirely his fault, but I felt the urge to say a loud and clear “I’m sorry”.

Am I sorry?

Why am I sorry?

Ok, I’m a polite person, and I’m proud of my manners. It’s a good thing to say sorry when I’ve genuinely done something wrong, and it’s always good manners, or is there something more?

I started checking how many times I say, “I’m sorry” during my day.

Sorry, I’m late. Sorry, I don’t understand. Sorry, I have no time.

Sorry. Sorry, sorry. I got sick of hearing myself saying it.

Sometimes I say it because it helps me to appear more agreeable, but sometimes it sounds excessive.

I find myself saying sorry too much, and I know that words have a great impact on my actions, so I want to use powerful words to inspire my actions.

WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD

What can I say instead of I’m sorry?

I have tried some useful tips and what has happened?

By changing some words, I focused my mind on positivity. I felt more confident and in control.

If you find yourself saying sorry too much try these strategies.

1 SAY THANK YOU

When you are late, instead of “I’m sorry”, simply say: “Thank you for waiting for me”. Positive and kind.

2 ASK

Don’t say I’m sorry when you ask for some clarifications or help. Instead use phrases like: “Can you please help me to understand this better” “Could you please give me an example?” Positive and clear.

3 SILENCE

Instead of over-apologising when you disagree (Sorry, but) train yourself to pause and use the silence to give more power to what you are saying.

4 TIME FOR YOURSELF

When you need a rest and going out with your colleagues is the last thing you want to do, you can simply say that you need time for yourself. Time alone is essential, and it’s a priority for our well-being.

Try these tips and the next time you find yourself saying sorry, take a deep breath, pause and ask yourself if it’s necessary or not. If a sincere apology is required, say it. If not, focus your mind on positivity.

Let me know if you have ever experienced similar situations and how have you coped with them. Your experience could be useful to other women.

Write it down in the comment.

Thank you so much.

Barbara