Tag Archives: grudges

The problem with holding a grudge is

Posted on by
Reply

“The problem with holding a grudge is that it makes your hands too full to do anything useful.”

—Seth Godin, American author and a former dot-com business executive

Image from Unsplash by Resume Genius

Where in your world are you holding a grudge? In what ways has it impacted your productivity and your most important relationships?

Did you know…

  • Grudges consume cognitive resources diverting focus from work tasks that require concentration.
  • Chronic resentment elevates stress levels and increases the risk of anxiety, depression and physical ailments like hypertension.
  • Emotional exhaustion from grudges lowers resilience and impairs problem-solving and creativity.
  • Grudge-holding often correlates with social withdrawal, hindering new relationships and deepening loneliness.

EXERCISE:

Letting go of grudges is an act of self-liberation. Acceptance, forgiveness, perspective shifts, and intentional boundary setting are some approaches to consider to free your hands for better things.

Grudges get heavier the longer they are carried

Posted on by

“Grudges get heavier the longer they are carried.”

—P.K. Thomajan, 20th Century Essayist

Image of a man carrying a heavy sack

Image from Unsplash by Brooke Lark

I find it particularly interesting that many people do not always experience the holiday season with the joy and happiness the media would suggest.

With the season now in our rear-view mirror, I’ve observed many of my professional colleagues, friends, and clients share some not so happy tales of gatherings that went badly, due to the less than warm feelings carried into these occasions.

Perhaps not so surprising is the fact that many people avoid these gatherings altogether, and have done so for many years, due to the heaviness of the grudges they carry.

EXERCISE:

With whom are you carrying a heavy and burdensome grudge, personally or professionally?

What strategies and approaches can you use to lighten your load and improve these relationships?

Consider picking up a copy of Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, for some strategies to consider.