CONTEXT
You know how people say "sorry" all the time for things that don't need an apology? (I'm looking at you, Canadians. 🫶)
Here's the problem: Our words create our reality. The more we unnecessarily apologize, the smaller we make ourselves—both in our own eyes and in the eyes of others.
Think about it. When someone constantly apologizes in meetings, what's your impression of them? Probably not "wow, what a confident leader..." And if we say "sorry" every time we speak up on a work call or bump into a table, we dilute the power of the word when we actually do owe an apology.
Here’s what to say instead:
METHOD
9 powerful reframes:
1. Sorry for rescheduling → Thanks for being flexible!
2. Sorry to bother you → Thanks for carving out time.
3. Sorry for venting → Thanks for listening.
4. Sorry for running late (by a few minutes) → Thanks so much for waiting.
5. Sorry I had to take that call → Thanks for your patience!
6. Sorry for jumping in → I have an idea that may help.
7. Sorry for the mistake → Thanks for catching that!
8. Sorry, I don’t get it → Could you repeat that? I just want to be clear.
9. Sorry, does that make sense? → I’m happy to answer any questions!
I’ve found it handy to keep a “cheat sheet” of these near my desk. Want your own copy? You can download a free PDF here.
WHY IT WORKS
Starting a conversation with gratitude sets a completely different tone than starting with an apology. One positions you as confident and appreciative. The other positions you as apologetic and small.
But there's something deeper happening here. When you constantly apologize, you're subconsciously telling yourself that your presence is a burden. That your questions are annoying. That your needs are inconvenient. (None of which is even remotely true, btw.)
Over time, this shapes how you see yourself. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Gratitude flips the script. Instead of shrinking yourself, you're acknowledging the other person's kindness while standing firmly in your own worth. You're saying: "I belong here. My voice matters. And I appreciate you." And that is quiet confidence.
So how do you actually build this habit? Because knowing these reframes isn't enough.
The first step: awareness.
Ask a friend or coworker to gently interrupt you whenever you apologize unnecessarily by asking: "Why did you say sorry?"
That's your cue to pause and rephrase with "Thank you for…"
Do this consistently for just two weeks, and you'll notice a shift—not just in how others respond to you, but in how you feel about yourself.
And before you know it, you’ll be filled with quiet confidence.
Much love,
Jade
P.S. Your voice and your ideas belong on LinkedIn, too.
It has only been 2 weeks since the December Archimedes cohort started, and I’m already getting the kindest messages from our new members. So I just wanted to take a moment to thank this group. 🥹 Here are some recent favorites:
- “It’s literally only been 1 week and my content performance is up 5X?! This program is magic.”
- “I can’t believe this. I just got a DM inviting me to get interviewed for a January article in Fortune.”
- “The Content Coach tool is amazing. I love that I get to basically have you, Ben, Colby review all my LinkedIn posts before they go live. It’s already made my writing way better.”
- “I was a tiny bit skeptical before joining. But this program is insanely generous with the resources you’re giving away. Easily already paid for itself…”
If you didn’t get a chance to join this year, our next cohort starts January 26th. Apply now and read all the FAQs at JoinArchimedes.com.
