Episode 127 – Why Forgiveness Matters for You as an Entrepreneur with Josh Berger

The Brand Strategy Podcast Mental Health Series with Josh Berger Forgiveness. How exactly do we forgive as entrepreneurs and on top of that, who do we forgive first in order to become our best self and step into the greatness we are longing to achieve? Welcome back to another episode of the Brand Strategy Podcast where I’m joined with Josh Berger, who’s a licensed professional therapist and also happens to be my big brother. We are continuing our special series on some common mental health topics for creative entrepreneurs just like you. Think of these episodes as a dose of business therapy and actionable encouragement. Today we’re talking about the concept of forgiveness, why forgiveness matters for you as an entrepreneur, what it looks like, and the relationship you have with yourself and others. WHY FORGIVENESS MATTERS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR As we move through this series, I believe forgiveness is one of the most important topics we’re diving into so far. For most of us, we are terrible at forgiving one of two people: 1) others, and 2) ourselves. When you’re feeling stress and like you’re juggling too many things, forgiveness is the key to finding the freedom in those seasons.  When you forgive yourself, you’re able to take a deep breath and feel your burden lighten.  Often times, when we think of forgiveness we think about forgiving someone who hurt us, right? But we also need to think about forgiveness in the terms of stepping into your own life and allowing yourself to be your best self while experiencing the kinds of growth you’re dreaming of.  Before identifying what forgiveness is, it’s very important to identify what it’s not. In this episode, Josh dives into what exactly that means and how we can bring this idea into our own life. Tune in using the media player above! BENEFITS OF PRACTICING FORGIVENESS When you’re able to forgive, you feel this sense of happiness and peace inside of you. But when you hold onto a burden and can’t find it in you to forgive yourself or others, there’s this bitterness that seeps into you.  And that’s no way to live, friend. A common way to know you need to forgive is checking in with your thoughts: * What do you find yourself thinking about before bed?* Do you find yourself getting worked up about something specific* Or what causes a bad day? These thoughts are some of the first signs that there is some level of bitterness or at least a lack of forgiveness manifesting within you. Above all, know that practicing forgiveness is a journey. WHAT IT CAN LOOK LIKE TO FORGIVE YOURSELF Josh explained that it’s so common for us to be naturally forgiving to others, but taking all the arrows ourselves. Why is it that when it comes to other people we can so easily forgive, but when it comes to ourselves we feel the need to be perfect? We often feel we need to be the ones completing every task, checking off every box, and successful in every meeting.