Guest blog by Trish Surfus
Do you/did you ever find yourself writing this phrase to your accountability group or coach: I’m sorry!
The “S” word. This is something I have been seen and heard a lot lately and have found myself saying it as well in the situation I am talking about. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and a place for an apology, but sometimes the “s” word becomes an easy way to make an excuse. I really want us to move past this phrase! Why are you apologizing? This phrase sometimes follows a mistake or accident, an intentional cheat, etc. It implies that someone is angry or upset with you and no one is, our coaches are here to help you, not judge you - TEAM NGPT wants to CHEER YOU ON! Any support team shouldn’t be looking for an apology - they should be looking to help you improve your actions and be pro-active in the future about learning from mistakes. It doesn’t matter what “I’m Sorry” follows and this might sound harsh, but I don’t want your apology – ha! Why? There is no need to apologize to your group or coach, the only person you are apologizing to is yourself. So do that and move on - finding a positive and pro-active step in the right direction.
Think about it this way, I was really sorry I was fat, but being sorry did nothing about it – I had to take action. The next time you are thinking of uttering or typing the “S” word, I want you to stop in your tracks, instead of dwelling on the mistake (intentional or not), I want you to make PROGRESS. Don’t tell me you are sorry – tell me your plan on how to avoid the mistake in the future, take an action step in the right direction. Even if you are NOT reporting to me, but in a 3P group or going it alone, I want you to use this philosophy of MAKING PROGRESS and not excuses (the S word!). Here are some examples:
· I missed my fish oil again. I’m going to put a post in note on my protein powder as a reminder.
· I didn’t eat veggies with my healthy fat. I’m going to pre-measure and bag them on Sunday so they are ready for the week.
· I only ate four meals. I am going to plan my schedule a day in advance and look at my calendar for potential problems.
· I didn’t eat in the three hour window b/c of a work meeting. I am going to have a protein bar with me for these emergencies.
· I forgot my peanut butter. I am going to keep a jar in my desk at work and then I don’t have to “remember” to bring it each day.
· I cheated. I am going to tell my friends what my goals are and why they are important to me and ask for their support when we are out to eat or I am at their house.
ACTION oriented steps and a plan are going to do you a lot more good than apologizing to me in your report.
So… don’t be sorry, be pro-active.
