APOLOGIZE

“Mistakes are always forgivable,
if one has the courage to admit them.”

—Bruce Lee, actor, director and martial artist.

People who say “never apologize” or “apologies are a sign of weakness” are wrong. The opposite is true. Never be afraid to apologize. Only the weak see an apology as a sign of weakness. Strong people recognize it as a sign of maturity, responsibility and strength.

An apology costs nothing, yet its value can be immense.

Don’t confuse excuses with apologies. People who say “never make excuses” are right. Your friends don’t require them and your enemies won’t believe them. Apologies are very different. Accepting responsibility for your mistakes is rarely, if ever, wrong.

Saying I’m sorry is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to improve a relationship. An apology can transform an adversary into a friend. It can save or nurture a relationship. Taking responsibility for your mistakes is essential. It’s not optional; it’s required.

An apology is the very least you can do to accept responsibility for your mistakes. Apologizing demonstrates and builds character. It creates and restores trust.