Forgive Everything but Malicious Intent
As trainers, teachers, and wellness professionals, we’ve all made mistakes during sessions. Maybe we lost track of the curriculum, or worse, completely forgot a scheduled session. No matter how small or serious the mistake, one thing is certain—mistakes happen.
But what separates great professionals from the rest isn’t the absence of mistakes. It’s how we own up to them and turn them into opportunities for growth.
Imagine this: you completely forget a session with a client. Understandably, they’re frustrated. They may even tell a few people about their bad experience.
Now, this situation gets even worse if you try to shift the blame instead of taking full responsibility. While it may protect your ego in the short term, it damages trust in the long run.
So, how do you turn a negative into a positive? Follow the 5 A’s of Recovery:
1️⃣ Awareness – Recognize the mistake. Accept that it happened.
2️⃣ Acknowledgment – Take responsibility for your role in the issue.
3️⃣ Apologize – Don’t avoid it, don’t make excuses. A genuine apology goes a long way.
4️⃣ Act on It – Offer a concrete solution and follow through on fixing the issue.
5️⃣ Apply Additional Generosity – Ask yourself: If this happened to me, what would I want the other person to do beyond just apologizing?
Imagine applying the 5 A’s to a forgotten session.
Yes, your client may still talk about your initial mistake—but now, they’ll also mention how well you handled it. Instead of being seen as unreliable, you’ll be remembered as someone who takes accountability and values their clients.
This shift in perception can strengthen relationships and even grow your business.
Most reasonable people will forgive everything but malicious intent.
Mistakes don’t define us—how we respond to them does.
By taking responsibility, making things right, and showing generosity, we don’t just fix a problem—we build trust, loyalty, and long-term success.
