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CTL-VIII-0013

“I said something I shouldn't have and I can't take it back.”

CTL · Pillar III, Control CTL-VIII · Redirect Immediately

You can't unsay it. What you can do is own it cleanly and redirect. A clear acknowledgment without over-explaining is the fastest way forward, for you and for the person you said it to.

Your Practice

Go directly to the person and say what you mean simply: "I said something I shouldn't have. I'm sorry." Don't over-explain or justify. Then let them respond. After, write down what you'll do differently in that situation next time.

The Architects

“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.”

Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, Chapter 34, 1929

More under CTL-VIII

CTL-VIII-0001“I just got fired.”CTL-VIII-0002“My plan fell apart and I don't know what to do next.”CTL-VIII-0003“I redirected a bad day into a productive one.”CTL-VIII-0004“I keep reacting to things I should let pass.”CTL-VIII-0005“I'm struggling with a habit I keep returning to.”CTL-VIII-0006“I'm proud of how I handled a situation that used to derail me.”
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