Whenever a person makes a mistake, it is important to admit your mistake and apologize. If one does not do this, it can create a breach of trust between the party or parties involved. No one wants to be deceived. It is hurtful and dishonest. An apology is necessary to maintain trust. If one cannot trust a person to act in good faith, a relationship of any kind, cannot be fully retained. For if we cannot trust a person to be honest, then we will doubt the words or actions of that person. This has lasting effects that can hamper any future dealings with one another.
If one wants to have lasting relationships, trust is necessary. It is the glue that holds our relationships together. Whether personal or professional, if you admit your mistake and apologize, your relationship will be stronger because we all make mistakes and your connection with the other person will be strengthened by your honesty. If not, then you will know important information about the relationship. There is no such thing as a “perfect” person.
It’s important to recognise that a mistake does not mean failure. Mistakes are how we learn important lessons, about oneself, and one’s ability to do specific tasks. A mistake can teach a person valuable information about a task or a problem that needs to be solved. It can affect the success or failure of an experiment. To quote Thomas Edison, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Imagine if he had not admitted his mistakes.
Apologies are most important in our closest relationships. One of my most profound experiences was when my father apologized for yelling at me. That memory sticks in my brain and heart for it taught me the power of admitting a wrong and apologizing. It left a lasting memory and showed me the strength in being able to admit the wrongs I have done. If you have trouble apologizing, practice it. Do it in front of a mirror until it feels genuine. Because if you admit your mistakes, and just apologize whenever you make a mistake, the lasting benefits will be seen in the relationships that truly matter to you. It will create a legacy of trust and humility to those you leave behind. And that’s a very good thing.