Research Confirms Forgiving Is Difficult

Calling for a Personal Year of Forgiveness

Research conducted last year by Project You confirms that for many forgiveness is a difficult process and often not an easy thing to do. 

In our Global Survey on Forgiveness late last year, 45% of the respondents said their first instinctive response, if asked to forgive one person in their life right now, would be "no way." Another 6% expressed self-righteousness ("I didn't do anything wrong, I'm in the right here") and almost 5% indicated an angry response in line with "why should I be the one to forgive?" 

Additionally, when given a choice between forgiveness, revenge, or doing nothing with regards to a particular person with whom they are currently in personal or professional conflict with, 35% chose the "do nothing" option. 

We also asked "does the pain of your hurt or offense seem so great and personal that you find it difficult to share with others?" Almost 37% replied yes to this question. 

Our research project also confirmed that there is not enough forgiveness in the world today (88% of respondents from 18 different nationalities who took part in our survey agreed with this statement). 

There is no question that forgiving can be hard. Complete, unconditional forgiveness is even harder — sometimes even impossible — to grant. 

Extending forgiveness is one of the hardest things we can do, but it is absolutely essential for our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. 

As such, Project You is calling for a Personal Year of Forgiveness.

Personal Year of Forgiveness 

There is so much anger, fury and antagonism in today's world. We have all witnessed this with Brexit, the tonality of the U.S. election, and increasing incivility in the workplace across the globe. 

We are encouraging everyone to consider how they can intentionally be more forgiving, of both themselves and others, in 2017. 

Make this your Personal Year of Forgiveness. Add forgiveness to one of your key New Year's Resolutions or goals for the year. 

Become more conscious of the power of forgiveness and make a conscientious effort to become more forgiving....both in your personal life and in your workplaces. 

What can you do? 

Start by reading about the numerous benefits of forgiveness. Learn and practice the forgiveness techniques that have helped others. Choose one person to forgive before the end of this month and prepare a plan for how you will convey your forgiveness. Share your own ideas and thoughts in the comments box below. 

Marianne Williamson wrote, "The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world." 

There are many parts of our world that need healing today. Let us each take the steps of forgiveness that will create progress in this healing. You can start by sharing this blog post in your social media channels and with your family, friends, and colleagues. 

Help us make 2017 everyone's Personal Year of Forgiveness.