The Power of Gratitude

We remember when our parents or a grandparent said to us “Say the magic words”. Usually that meant “please”. But there are two additional transnational words, thank you. Who would have thought two words would have so much power? 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 that being thankful and demonstrating appreciation adds to overall well-being.
The Harvard Medical School states that “Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible” (Health.harvard.edu, 2020). Whether you say thank you for something that someone has done or spontaneously show gratefulness unprompted, that ability to be so leads to a more positive existence. Further validation in the article explains “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”“https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happierHowever thank you without intent can come across as insincere and hollow. So, it is important to keep that gratitude and the acts of thankfulness habitual and organic to your personality. This doesn’t mean thanking people for expected behaviors; it means you are aware of critical moments that call for you to send and receive the benefits of gratitude. Ask yourself a few check-in questions…

  • Do you send hand written notes of thankfulness to a colleague, supplier or employee?
  • Do you keep a gratitude journal where you memorialize thankfulness?
  • Do you mediate, pray or find time for calm reflection to help center your thoughts and feelings?
  • Do you actively and mentally show yourself grateful for achieved accomplishments or goals?
  • Do you 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 achieves optimal results. You can add satisfaction and help yourself reach new levels of effectiveness through adding gratitude to every pat of your life.  Harvard health reminds us “In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves.”

In this time of crisis and as life brings us a new normal, a useful skill and mindset like gratitude will help us to move forward.  People have forgotten to be thankful for what they have and yearn rather than for what we have lost due to the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic. This becomes the fictitious circle. The less satisfaction or appreciation for the new state, the more you will attract more positive results.

It may seem insurmountable finding something to be thankful for when your business is closed, when your bills are mounting and when the future is unsure. You may have to dig a little deeper to find small things to be thankful for. Suspension of foreclosures and government assistance with payroll demands are both things businesses can be thankful for, but like most habits that stick, you have to verbalize it. Say it out loud, “I am thankful for the resources available to me during the pandemic to get my business reopened and restarted’.

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

PositivePsychology.com defined gratitude in an article this way “Gratitude is a way where scientists can measure its effects, and thus argue that gratitude is more than feeling thankful: it is a deeper appreciation for someone (or something) that produces longer lasting positivity” (Ackerman, 2020).

Ackerman also details the effects on stress increasing a sense of gratitude “…study showed that there was a mean 23% reduction in the stress hormone cortisol after the intervention period. During the use of the techniques, 80% of the participants exhibited an increased coherence in heart rate variability patterns, indicating reduced stress”. 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

https://www.happierhuman.com/benefits-of-gratitude/

Happierhuman.com also mentions the benefits of being more thankful outside your personal life. Gratitude can boost our careers.  Here are a few benefits;

  • Become a more effective manager
  • Help you network
  • Help you achieve and attain goals
  • Improve your decision-making capabilities
  • Increase productivity

Find ways to bring more gratitude to your life. Dig deeper, celebrate even the smallest of achievements and share that gratitude with others. Spread gratitude, add a thank you and remember to appreciate life’s opportunities to bring more abundance to you in return.

Thanks for reading this.

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