Sometimes, Sorry Seems to Be the Easiest Word.
How much is too much?
Before I became a results coach, I worked as a printing industry recruiter. One thing I found in common to both of these occupations is that many of the people that I serve suffer from low self-esteem. As a coach, it’s very easy to tell when someone has poor self-esteem. One of the most common giveaways is that they are constantly saying, “I’m sorry.” Many times, they are apologizing for things that are not their fault and even if they have not done anything wrong. It becomes a reflex and — if it’s done too often — can be a very negative habit, especially during a job interview or in a personal relationship.
There is nothing wrong with saying that you are sorry if you have wronged someone or done something wrong. However, it isn’t good for your own self-esteem or how others perceive you to constantly be apologizing for no reason. If you are in business, people base a great deal of their decision to buy from you or hire you on how much confidence they have in your credibility. Repeatedly saying, “I’m sorry,” when there is no cause undermines your credibility.
So how does one go about ridding oneself of this habit? No doubt, it’s been ingrained for a long time. First, you need to consciously be aware that you are doing it. You can ask a friend, a mentor, or a confidant if they notice this habit in you. If you find that you are habitually apologizing, the next thing to do is to consciously think about it before you speak.
Low self-esteem can prevent you from becoming the incredible person you were meant to be or empower you to accomplish many great feats. This is a choice — your choice. As with most of life’s most important lessons, this will take time for you to make a noticeable change. But I encourage you to find out if this is something you are doing so subconsciously and, if that is the case, practice reserving your apologies for when they are justified. It will go a great way to improving your own self-confidence and self-esteem, and also improve your self-image with others.
“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
This excerpt is taken from the seminar entitled Anyone Can Sell II: Prospecting for Gold! I encourage you to click here to register for the exclusive live Zoom presentation of Anyone Can Sell II: Prospecting for Gold! on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 9 AM to 12 noon Eastern Standard Time.
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