Gratitude – Is It Just About Saying Thank You?

We remember when our parents or a grandparent said to us “Say the magic words”.

Usually that meant “please”. But there are two additional trans-national words, thank you.

Who would have expected to words to have so much power? Showing appreciation and acknowledging gratitude in others can have cathartic results. Since ancient times, philosophers have touted the benefits of living a life filled with gratitude. But you don’t have to be Socrates to understand being thankful and demonstrating appreciation adds to overall well-being.

An article published by The Harvard Medical School states

“Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible”

Whether you say thank you for something that some has done or spontaneously show gratefulness unprompted, that ability to be live in a more positive existence. The article goes on to say

“Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

It is important that gratitude and the acts of thankfulness become habitual and organic to your personality. This doesn’t mean thanking people of expected behaviours. It means you are in tune with critical moments that call for you to send and receive the benefits of gratitude.

Ask yourself these check-in questions…

Do You
  • Send hand written note of thankfulness to a colleague, supplier or employee?
  • Keep a gratitude journal where you memorialise thankfulness?
  • Mediate, pray or find time to be calm reflection to help center your thoughts and feelings?
  • Actively and mentally show yourself gratitude for accomplishments made or goals achieved?
  • Celebrate the small victories and the small steps forward in your life and business?

Different people require acknowledgment in different ways. Find unique and distinct ways to show appreciation. Customers, employees and family members all require different levels and measures so that the gratitude is received for optimal results. Adding gratitude to every pat of your life can add satisfaction and help you reach new levels of effectiveness. Harvard health reminds us

Times of Crisis

In times of crisis and as life beings to enter a new normal, gratitude will be a useful skill and mindset to help us move us forward. The fear and uncertainty of the pandemic have led many to forget to be thankful for what they have and yearn instead for what we have lost. This becomes the fictitious circle. The less satisfaction or appreciation for the new state, the more you will attract more positive results.

Finding something to thankful for when your business is closed, when your bills are mounting and when the future is unsure, can seem insurmountable. You may have to digger deeper to find small things to be thankful for.

This article on Gratitude gives more insight into why we should all show Gratitude and the positive affects that it can have on your personal and business lives.

https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-appreciation/

What Can Happen?

Becoming more grateful or allowing more grace into your life can have the following outcomes;

  • Enhanced well-being, better Physical and Mental Health
  • Deeper Relationships
  • Improved Optimism
  • Increased Happiness
  • Stronger Self-Control
  • More Athleticism

The Happierhuman.com article on the benefits of gratitude here also outlines the benefits of being more thankful outside your personal life. Business and careers can see tangible improvements by being more grateful.

Here are a few benefits, helping you to…..

  • Become a more effective manager
  • Network better
  • Achieve and attain goals
  • Improve your decision-making capabilities
  • Increase productivity

Find ways to bring more gratitude to your life. Celebrate the smallest of achievements and share that gratitude with those in your circle. Spread gratitude, add a thank you and remember to appreciate life’s opportunities to bring more abundance to you in return.

So, Gratitude – Is It Just About Saying Thank You?

Learn more, Earn more by contacting me on 07716 292378, mailing me at ianfinney@actioncoach.com or clicking here and booking a call with me.