Apologize Quote by William Westney
![“[perfectionism leads to] a tendency to apologize preemptively for one's efforts, knowing from experience that there's sure to be something wrong with them.” quote by William Westney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d30/william-westney-35835_apologizing_perfectionism-leads-to-a-tendency-to-apo_1878715.jpg)
“[perfectionism leads to] a tendency to apologize preemptively for one's efforts, knowing from experience that there's sure to be something wrong with them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Learning, William Westney, 1997
Perfectionism makes people preemptively apologize for work, fearing inevitable flaws based on past experience.
In simple terms: Perfectionism causes premature apologies due to fear of mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfections and focus on progress.
Themes
perfectionism
self‑criticism
confidence
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
advice
psychological
motivational
When to use this quote
- work presentations
- creative projects
- team collaborations
- personal goals
- academic writing
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑esteem
growth mindset
Questions to Reflect On
- How does preemptive apology affect others’ perception of your competence?
- What strategies can reduce the urge to apologize before receiving feedback?
A Different Perspective
Apologizing can undermine credibility and hinder constructive feedback.
