There are only two logical outcomes of revenge; it either worsens a bad situation, or it rebounds in unexpected, harmful ways to yourself.
- Revenge is self-harm
- No one cares about your problems
- There is always more than one side to a story
- Nothing in life is constant
- Discarding feelings of revenge
Revenge is self-harm
The desire to hurt those who have hurt you is only natural. However, in the context of business, it is important to fight against these desires.
There are only two logical outcomes of revenge; it either worsens a bad situation, or it rebounds in unexpected, harmful ways to yourself.
For instance, you could retaliate with equally or even more hurtful words. The target of your anger would simply shrug off your harsh words after some time. But your reputation would have suffered.
Even though you were wronged in the situation and the other party was guilty, you would be judged by your response. The reputation you have built over the years might even be wiped out in an instant if you proved yourself to be petty, sensitive, and vindictive.
More importantly, revenge is toxic. It consumes happiness and you seldom achieve anything by getting the revenge you have dreamt for. It also takes up precious time that can be used for greater purpose and reward.
No one cares about your problems
It may sound harsh, but the truth is that no one cares about the problems you face as an entrepreneur. Potential partners and the market as a whole have neither the desire nor time to dig into the context of your anger.
Instead, you are judged by your actions. Behaviours that may seem perfectly justified to you may appear to be erratic or petty to those on the outside. In business and life, fighting fire with fire is unwise, immature, and ultimately damaging.
There is always more than one side to a story
There is great value in intellectual honesty. The ability to turn the mirror on yourself and explore your faults, failings, and weaknesses is invaluable.
If you are, to be honest with yourself, you need to recognise that the person you were angry with likely believed he was only somewhat in the wrong. There is always more than one side to a story, each with its degree of validity.
Nothing in life is constant
The final and, perhaps most important reason to embrace mercy is that life has a strange habit of coming full circle. People change, mature, and evolve over time, and someone who is an enemy today may become an ally in the future.
When you show mercy to your enemies, it makes an impression. That impression may not be immediately evident, but it can take root over time and result in amazing things.
While there is no assurance that your decision to forego revenge will change anything, at the very least your reputation remains intact. At the end of the day, what counts is to be faithful to your ideals and values, no matter what.
How to discard feelings of revenge
This is easier said than done. Especially when your ego has been hurt badly or you have suffered loss.
Firstly, allow yourself some time, don’t do anything stupid, and you will get revenge out of your system. Time is always the biggest healer.
Share your feelings with loved ones or friends that you trust. Getting your anger off your chest is always helpful, and those that you confide in can guide you in times when your mind isn’t thinking straight.
Turn revenge to your advantage – channel your aggression into something that will bear fruit. The best revenge? Success!