The lost art of saying “I’m sorry”…

by MISTY KORTES

February 11, 2025

Ever notice how people will do anything to avoid saying two simple words?

Instead of “I’m sorry,” we get:
👉 “I didn’t mean it like that.”
👉 “You’re being too sensitive.”
👉 “Well, you did XYZ first.”

It’s like watching a toddler deny eating a cookie… while still holding the cookie. 🍪

Owning Your Mistakes Doesn’t Make You Weak

Somewhere along the way, we started acting like apologizing means admitting defeat.

But the truth? Taking responsibility is a power move.

  • It builds trust.
  • It strengthens relationships.
  • It shows that you’re self-aware and emotionally intelligent.

In business (and in life), your ability to own your mistakes is directly tied to your ability to grow.

“I’m Sorry” vs. “I Suck”

Saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t mean you’re a failure.

It doesn’t mean you should wallow in guilt, write a 5-page apology email, and overcompensate by never speaking again.

It just means you recognize where you messed up, and you’re willing to fix it.

And let’s be real—wouldn’t you rather work with someone who can admit when they’re wrong, rather than someone who doubles down on their mistakes?

The Challenge: Take Accountability

Next time you catch yourself justifying, deflecting, or getting defensive… pause.

Ask yourself: Would a simple “I’m sorry” fix this faster?

If the answer is yes, then say it. Mean it. Move forward.

Because success isn’t about always being right. It’s about learning, growing, and leading with integrity.

P.S. Speaking of growth, that’s exactly what we focus on in The Extraordinary Entrepreneur Community. No ego, no excuses—just real business owners working through the messy parts of entrepreneurship and getting better every day.

👉 Join us here: https://mistykortes.com/community/ 

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