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Whenever a group of people comes together, conflict can occur. Whether it’s a squabble over misplaced Tupperware or a fundamental disagreement about how to handle a client’s account, the result tends to be two people being angry simultaneously with each other. Regardless of how it all started, someone has to make the first move toward resolution.

Many people hold on tightly to their anger, thinking that the offense committed against them cannot be excused, however, forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to let go of the fact that a transgression was committed. Forgiveness means letting go for your own sake, with no requirement for positive feelings towards the other person. But what do you do when the person you need to forgive is yourself? With interpersonal forgiveness, no reconciliation is needed but in self-forgiveness it’s essential. So how do you navigate these negative thoughts and feelings? And why should you even take on this task that’s often easier said than done?

In this episode, Mathew and I break down what it means to forgive. We talk about how conflicts can arise at home and in the workplace, why you don’t need to forgive and forget, the consequences of letting resentment fester, how grace is different from forgiveness, why it’s so difficult to forgive yourself, and so much more!

We would love to hear from you about your experiences with getting and granting forgiveness, the lessons you have learned and the struggles you have had with it. Email Kevin at kevin@sheerclarity.com or share your comments and feedback through the form on our home page. Tune in next week as you continue on the path to becoming a successful leader by attraction.

Key Topics:

• Our Thanksgiving experiences (0:44)
• Defining forgiveness (2:51)
• Why letting go is an essential element of forgiveness (3:30)
• How to forgive while disengaging from a negative situation (4:30)
• Separating forgiveness from reconciliation (6:31)
• What it takes to be able to forgive and let go (7:10)
• How grace differs from forgiveness (7:35)
• Why forgiveness is important for the forgiver (9:15)
• How anger and resentment can show up in the workplace (9:43)
• Detaching forgiveness from having positive feelings towards the offender (12:24)
• Recognizing when you need to forgive yourself (13:20)
• Why it’s so hard to forgive yourself (15:11)
• Navigating self-forgiveness (16:42)
• And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Brené Brown, Researcher and Storyteller

Click here for a PDF version of the transcript