Sorry Changes You
To The Collective Fitness Community,
This week, let's talk about a word we throw around a lot, a word we say without really thinking about what it means: Sorry. The intention here is that a real 'sorry' changes you.
We say it for little things – bumping into someone, a late email. But how often do we actually let that word sink in, pushing us to change not just what we say, but what we actually do? A real apology, a moment where you truly feel bad for a mistake, shouldn't just be words. It should kick off a change. It's when you own up to messing up, feel the weight of it, and then promise to act differently so you don't pull the same bullshit again. If you genuinely mean it, 'sorry' becomes a powerful word, a promise that you're ready to get better.
This week, pay attention to how often you hear "sorry" – and how often you say it yourself. Listen for the empty apologies, the ones that are just polite noises, not real admissions of fault. But more importantly, listen for the moments where 'sorry' truly means something bigger. Where the feeling of regret is real, and you can practically feel the commitment to change. That's where your power kicks in. That's where you commit to being better, not just talking about it.
Practicing a Meaningful "Sorry"
To make your "sorry" count, try these:
Own It Completely. No "Buts." When you apologize, take full responsibility. Don't say, "I'm sorry, but you made me angry," or "I'm sorry if you were offended." That's not an apology; that's just making excuses. A real apology focuses only on what you did and how it affected them. It sounds like: "I'm sorry for [specific action you did]. I know that [impact it had on them]." This shows you get your part in the situation, without pointing fingers.
Understand How It Hit Them. A truly meaningful "sorry" comes from understanding the other person's side and how your actions landed. Before you even speak, take a moment. Picture yourself in their shoes. How did what you did make them feel? What was the real fallout? When you truly grasp the hurt, the frustration, or the hassle you caused, your apology will feel real. You might say, "I'm genuinely sorry for missing that deadline; I know it put you in a tough spot and added stress." This shows you care, and that makes the apology hit harder than just a quick "sorry."
Promise to Change (and Do It). This is the big one. A real apology isn't just about saying you messed up in the past; it's a promise for how you'll act differently in the future. If you're truly sorry, that feeling should push you to make sure you don't make the same mistake again. After you've apologized, actually say what you'll do differently next time. "I'm sorry for cutting you off all the time; I'm going to really focus on listening and letting you finish your thoughts." Then, and this is crucial, follow through. The way you change your behavior is the strongest apology you can ever give, making "sorry" a word that truly changes you.
Strength & Community,
Charlie