Try this: The Sorry Detox

For one week, catch yourself before "sorry" slips out—and rephrase instead.

Every time you feel it coming, pause for one second and ask: did something actually go wrong here, or am I about to state a fact, ask a question, or name something I need?

If nothing went wrong, retrain the sentence on the spot:

• Not "Sorry, I need the input to move forward" — just "I need the input to move forward."

• Not "Sorry, quick question" — just "Quick question."

• Not "Sorry I'm one minute late" — walk in and start.

• Not "Sorry, can I just say something" — just "I want to add something."

This isn't about never apologizing—it's about training yourself to notice the reflex and swap it for a direct sentence, every time nothing actually needs forgiving. By the end of the week, save "sorry" for what it's actually for: a real mistake, a real miss, something that genuinely cost someone something.

Notice what the rephrased version does to how the room hears you.