In business we all try to put our best foot forward. In the past, I’ve written about one of the biggest keys to true and lasting success in business: integrity.

When you conduct yourself with integrity – in words and actions – you always put your best foot forward. This is critical in a world where reputations are hard to build and easy to destroy.

Unfortunately, not everyone you come across in your business dealings will have integrity. If you’re in business long enough, you will inevitably cross paths with individuals who justify mistreating people or dealing dishonestly in order to achieve their desired outcome. More often than not, they’ve been quietly justifying their behavior so long that ethical lines become blurred and they genuinely feel they are in the right.

In my decades of business experience, I am blessed to have worked with many people with integrity. I strive to live with integrity and consciously surround myself with those who share the same values of honesty and uprightness.

But I’ve also heard countless stories of individuals who have been wronged in business by those they had trusted to act with integrity.

Some business owners badmouth their competition. Others don’t honor their commitments. Some clients are extremely difficult to please and don’t hold back from fiercely criticizing your products or services publically, even when you’ve delivered on your promises. Sadly there is no shortage of examples of the different ways one can be hurt in business.

Many business owners who find themselves hurt have a difficult time letting go of the grudge – or outright anger – they feel in their hearts. Being hurt by someone you trust and feel close to is especially painful.

It is important to pause and ask yourself: Am I holding on to any past hurts or resentments?

Although it is natural – and human – to feel hurt, holding on to anger is downright toxic.

“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” –Emmet Fox

When you hold onto anger or resentment, the person with whom you are upset doesn’t change or become a better person. As you angrily ruminate about their wrongdoings, they carry on with their lives and their businesses, and you get stuck. Withholding forgiveness generally doesn’t do anything but cause you further anguish.

It is important to remember the wrongdoing to protect yourself from being their victim again – or the victim of others who commit similar offenses in business – in the future. But it’s also important to ask yourself, “Is holding onto this anger and resentment preventing me from living a happier, more productive life?”

More often than not, if you’re honest with yourself, the answer is a resounding yes. Anger and resentment are painful and destructive emotions. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you withhold forgiveness, you’re more likely to:

• Become anxious or depressed
• Feel less connected with others in your life
• Bring that bitterness into your relationships and day-to-day interactions
• Become so consumed with the wrong done to you that you’re unable to enjoy the present
• Feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you’re at odds with your spiritual beliefs

Defining Forgiveness

Forgiveness isn’t something that “happens” to you over time. Forgiveness is generally a choice to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge, and move forward.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you deny the other person’s responsibility for hurting you and it certainly doesn’t justify the wrongdoing. But choosing to forgive allows you to focus on other, more positive things in your business and your life.

Benefits of Forgiveness

In business, forgiveness allows you to cut away the mental clutter, self-doubt, or resentment and instead, focus on the activities and relationships that will help you produce and prosper.

Forgiveness can allow you to achieve greater mental and spiritual well-being, less anxiety, higher self esteem, and healthier relationships in your professional and personal life. It can also help you experience such physical benefits as lower blood pressure, better heart health, and a stronger immune system.

If you’re a spiritual person, forgiveness can often open your heart up to feeling greater understanding and even empathy for the individual who wronged you. Perhaps they are having difficulties in their personal life or maybe they aren’t blessed with the same support system you have and that has made them tough.

Again, this doesn’t excuse the wrong they did to you, but it can help you let go and find peace to live the life you deserve.

At Celeste Giordano Coaching I empower clients to overcome obstacles in business and in life and learn strategies proven to help them “double plus” their incomes. Contact me today to say goodbye to the obstacles that have been standing in your way for too long.

I challenge you to ask yourself if holding onto any anger or resentment in your professional or personal life is keeping you from living a happier, more prosperous life. Step by step, make an effort to work through your pain and let go, and you will be one step closer to building the Legacy Business you deserve.

Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlusTM” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with more than 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.

To learn more about Celeste, click here.

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