The Power of Saying ‘Sorry’…

I’m sorry. Two small yet powerful words.

Those two words can make a huge difference in the lives of those that have the courage and choose to say them and for those that have the generosity of heart and choose to accept them.

It all comes down to choice, doesn’t it? We have the choice to face up to our mistakes and offer a sincere apology and try to correct the problem.  There is also the choice to blame it on someone or something else or pretend it didn’t happen or doesn’t matter.

We all make mistakes.  Some are careless, thoughtless mistakes.  Some are just goof ups.  Some are hurtful words uttered when we are tired and cranky.  Some mistakes just happen, no rhyme or reason.

There are times that you can’t go back and fix the problem.  You made the mistake expecting only positive results and yet…the impossible happens.

Some mistakes are nothing more than a misunderstanding of words or intentions never meant to hurt the feelings of those you love.

So why say “I’m sorry” if you meant no harm, if you had only good intentions, if someone else was to blame?

Your family, friends and colleagues are not mind readers.  They can not read your mind or know what is in your heart.  A heart felt apology can open the doors to open dialogue and understanding.

I believe my relationships with family, friends and business colleagues will be strengthened if I stand up and admit to my mistakes promptly and sincerely. Accepting an apology shows a strong character.

I’m sorry.  Could those two words save a failing relationship, personal or business?

I’m sorry.  Could it set a good example for a child and build their confidence and trust in you?

I’m sorry.  Could those two words prevent a war?

Shirley Bankey

Small Business Success

I think of a snowball when I think of starting a small business.  All your ideas, inspirations, hopes and dreams packed and shaped into that small snowball.  A tall mountain comes to mind when I think of taking that business over the top to success.  You start small pushing that little snowball up your mountain….just like when you were a kid and started to make a snowman from that same small snowball and ended up with a magical figure in your own front yard.  Now you are all grown up and have bigger aspirations for your snowball.

As you push your small business up that mountain, it gets a little larger, a little more successful and more difficult to maneuver.

As your snowball grows in size, the mountain is steep; the snow drifts deep with patches of slippery ice.  Sometimes you lose your footing and risk being run over by the very snowball that you have been carefully nurturing every step and push on the way up.

Are you so exhausted and discouraged it feels like Mt Everest?  Have you made it too high to get enough oxygen to think straight, to care, to have the extra push of energy to get that darn snowball over the crest of the mountain?  Is it all worth the effort?  Can you take another step?  Will you end up crushed and broken at the bottom of the mountain?

Don’t quit now!  Sit down with your back against the snowball and your feet planted securely for leverage.  Rest and recharge.  Take some deep breaths and imagine giving that snowball one last push over the summit.  Imagine it picking up speed on its way to success rolling down the other side.  Now it is doing all the work and pulling you along on its way into Camp Success at the bottom.

Everyone is waiting there to congratulate you and offer you a glass of champagne.

Ok, are you ready?  Carefully get up, turn around and give that snowball one last big push and hang on tight!

By Shirley Bankey

Being Your Own Boss is Great..Isn’t it?

Shirley Bankey

Being your own boss is great, isn’t it?  Having complete control over all the decisions and choices that have to be made in your own business is terrific, isn’t it?

No one to answer to.  No one telling you when, where or what to do.  No one approving your holiday time.  No one checking your expenses.  Just you.  You’re it.  You are the boss.  The truth is….if I ever had a boss in the past that was as demanding of my time and as critical of my progress as I am of myself….I would have quit and brought harassment charges against them.

So why am I so hard on myself?  I am not really sure.  It is not as if I did not have a good work ethic and get excellent appraisals when I was employed elsewhere.

I am not unique with this problem.  I hear similar concerns from other entrepreneurs.  One of the reasons most of us start our own business is to get balance back into our lives.  We want quality family time and personal time. Also we want a business that inspires us to bounce out of bed with a smile on our face in the morning.

I think the solution to this age old problem is to be a good boss to yourself.  Give yourself an honest appraisal weekly, monthly and yearly.  Celebrate your success.  Look for creative ways to solve your weak areas.  Be strict with yourself about maintaining balance in your life.  Having an abundance of money means nothing if you have no one to share it with.  A successful business is irrelevant if you don’t take care of yourself.

So, yes, being my own boss is great.  I love having complete control over all the decisions and choices that have to be made. 

Shirley Bankey, Author The Power of Women United

Independent Associate

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