I have written about gratitude many times over the years, but it’s a topic I keep coming back to because I believe in it so strongly. This time of year, especially with Thanksgiving upon us, I am reminded more than ever how very important it is to be grateful.
The incredible positive effects of frequently feeling and expressing gratitude have been extensively studied, but it doesn’t take science to know that being grateful makes you happier and more successful. I can figure that one out just from personal experience!
Throughout my life I have always tried to be intentional about reflecting on how I have been blessed, both in general in life and specifically by other people. By simply recognizing and appreciating those blessings, I bring a smile to my face and more happiness to my heart. By going one step further and verbally acknowledging and expressing that gratitude, I increase my own happiness and spread that joy to other people.
It might be through a whispered prayer of thanksgiving or a personal journal entry to acknowledge life’s blessings. Or maybe through a handwritten note, spontaneous phone call, or even a quick email to express appreciation to someone in particular. However you express it, sincere gratitude seeps down into your soul and significantly impacts your overall happiness and sense of fulfillment.
And how does an “attitude of gratitude” affect your success? One key benefit to being a grateful person is the impact this has on other people. Whether you’ve really thought about it or not, the truth is your personal success in life has a lot to do with other people. Almost every area of your life and work is affected by relationships, and I believe those relationships matter to your success more than any other one factor.
I’m not just talking about networking. Any and every relationship you have greatly affects your life and your success. So the better and more positive those relationships, the more success you will achieve! Expressing heartfelt gratitude, sincere praise, and gracious encouragement goes a long way toward building and maintaining excellent relationships. And that goes a long way toward achieving greater success!
So how do you practice being a more grateful person? As trite as it may sound, gratitude is an attitude, and you really do have control over your attitude. No matter how much of a “Scrooge” you may think you naturally are, you don’t have to resign yourself to that kind of attitude! By intentionally taking the time—every day—to reflect on your blessings, how people have helped you, and what you should be thankful for, you can and will become a happier, more grateful, more successful person.
Start today!
