Forgiveness is a foundation of faith. But it’s also a function of business and fundamental to growth and success. From Beverly Hills, let’s breakdown the business of forgiveness.

In the business world, certain debts aren’t worth collecting. Doing so would require far more time and resources than it’s worth. Or, maybe you’ve already spent time and money, so you cut your losses to invest future resources elsewhere.

But in both business and life, we often resist forgiveness even when it would serve us because we’ve already invested so much attention, energy, emotion, or money. That’s the “sunk cost” fallacy, and it’s one of the biggest barriers to forgiveness and growth. But sunk costs become assets when you mine them for meaning and move on with better strategies. Here are three ways to forgive.

1. Forgive with gratitude. Resentment keeps you stuck in the past. Appreciate the lesson, and the opportunity to rise above resentment, reclaiming the energy it once consumed.

2. Forgive with authority. Forgiveness isn’t weakness, or sacrificing your principles. It’s clarity – staking your expectations, rules, and boundaries from this point forward.

3. Forgive with compassion. Forgiveness is a growth strategy, calling others to higher potential. And sometimes, the path forward is only revealed when someone like you points the way with unexpected grace.

Start with yourself. That could be the hardest and most necessary forgiveness. Because we’ve all made costly mistakes. But if you could be grateful for your missteps, stake new expectations with authority, and love yourself enough to demand better, well, now you’re in business.

So stop chasing debts that won’t pay. Let go of resentments that cost more than they return. And re-invest your energy, attention, and resources where they belong—on your most promising future. Until next week, stay Off Balance On Purpose.

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO.

The audio for this week’s coaching video is located under the “Get Inspired” tab in the Positive Playlist . You can subscribe to the podcast and listen to other weekly messages for improving all aspects of your life.