One study of more than 1,000 Brits found that the average person says ‘sorry’ around eight times per day.

If you find yourself saying ‘sorry’ all the time, even when it’s not your fault, you might be over-apologising.

Of course, apologising is not always a bad thing. It’s a nice way to show that you feel bad about something you did wrong.

But sometimes, we say ‘sorry’ too much.

It can make us seem unsure of ourselves and can make other people think we did something wrong when we didn’t.

A good way to stop over-apologising is to think before we say ‘sorry’.

We could ask ourselves if what we did was really something we should be ‘sorry’ for.

If the answer is no, then we don’t need to apologise.

So what can we do instead of saying we’re ‘sorry’ all the time?

We can change our language.

Instead of “Sorry I’m late“, we could say, “Thank you for waiting.” (This is polite and doesn’t make it seem as if we did something wrong.)

Instead of “Sorry for talking so much“, we could say, “Thank you for listening“.

And instead of “I’m sorry, I can’t come to your party“, an alternative could be “Thank you for thinking of me. Maybe next time.“

Apologising is good when we’ve made a mistake. But over-apologising can make us feel worse instead of better. And it causes other people to see us as less competent and confident.

So let’s try and use some positive phrases instead.

PS If you’d like to read more, take a look at Inc.com’s article here. 

GyShiDo (Get Your Sh.. Done) is all about razor-sharp focus and the art and craft of simply getting things done.

A GyShiDo-San obeys a code of honour with seven commitments:

1. Focus relentlessly on the activities that bring the most value.
2. Avoid the myth of multitasking in favour of single-tasking with laser-sharp attention.
3. Establish consistency by making habits out of doing the right things.
4. Be honest and open in everything you do.
5. Avoid meetings that aren’t necessary.
6. Always follow-up quickly.
7. Treat people with kindness and respect.

Some good advice, don’t you think?

 

 

 

What is the meaning of life?

Anna Vital’s infographic visualises the most prominent philosophies that have tackled this question. Using very few words.

 

What is the meaning of life for you?

“Hallo Oma,” the sweet voice of my young grandson echoes through the phone.

It’s his first two-word phrase.

Or rather, the first two-word phrase directed at me.

A phrase that brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

A phrase I’ve been waiting for. For some time.

Juggling three languages can’t be easy for the little guy.

That’s why I’m so enthralled.

It reminds me of Anne Frank’s words: “Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy“.

In the midst of our busy lives, moments like these remind us to cherish the little things.

They remind us of what truly matters in life.

I thought you might like to be reminded, too.

——–

enthralled = begeistert, bezaubert
to cherish = hegen, wertschätzen, schätzen

Around us, life bursts with miracles:—a glass of water, a ray of sunshine, a leaf, a caterpillar, a flower, laughter, raindrops. If you live in awareness, it is easy to see miracles everywhere. Each human being is a multiplicity of miracles. Eyes that see thousands of colors, shapes, and forms; ears that hear a bee flying or a thunderclap; a brain that ponders a speck of dust as easily as the entire cosmos; a heart that beats in rhythm with the heartbeat of all beings. When we are tired and feel discouraged by life’s daily struggles, we may not notice these miracles, but they are always there.

Thich Nhat Hanh

If you’re looking for some words of wisdom, you need look no further than Thich Nhat Hanh’s quotations.

His words are like a beautiful song. Lifting our spirits and inspiring hope.