We all goof up ... put aside the ego and learn how to apologize!

It is hard for me to admit it; but I really messed up recently.

I made a commitment to someone I respect a great deal and had grown very close to over the past year. Without getting into the details, as decisive as I am at work and as much as I act on gut instinct, I painfully realized that for matters closer to home (even something silly like buying a car), I put myself through 'analysis paralysis'. To that end, at the last minute, realized I would not be able to follow through on my commitment to this person.

When I delivered the news, this person was composed, but, had every right to be incredibly upset with me. Personally, I was crushed as I felt as though for the first time ever I broke a promise, regretted my actions as I knew following through was actually the right decision, and, more importantly, I unnecessarily strained what was an otherwise powerful relationship.

Whether professional or personal, to me, relationships are paramount; and I choose to maximize my time with folks who value the same. Nothing I could have said or done could rewind the clock and enable me to reverse course on my actions, but, what I learned was by being sincere about my state of mind, showcasing genuine concern on how the person could move ahead in the absence of my support, and, knowing that I would still be there to lend a hand however I could from a distance helped us move the ball forward in the relationship.

As I reflect on the situation, the thing that I think about the most was the subsequent series of steps beginning with a simple but honest apology. I had to put aside my ego and own up to actions. While the apology and following conversations does not by any means rectify things, it helped place the relationship with this person on a path to recovery.

History is filled with big egos getting in the way of progress; or worse off, egos leading to colossal downfalls ... Hannibal, Alexander the Great, General Custer, you name it -- never let the ego transcend into arrogance.

Human beings make mistakes all the time; sometimes they are trivial in nature; sometimes they could be significant, and, in worst case scenarios they could be devastating. An apology will rarely if ever correct the mistake, but a sincere apology can certainly begin the healing process for everyone.

Life is a series of experiences that we can learn from ... we will all have wins, and, we will all have fails. Constantly seek to grow yourself from those experiences, and, never let your ego get in the way of progress. I've certainly learned a great deal about myself from this particular experience, and, have grown to respect this other person so much more as we carry forward.

Thanks for listening ... if you're on the fence for a decision, just go with your gut. If you've goofed, just say sorry (and mean it!).

Wishing you the best as you continue to experience, learn, and, grow.