Whether it’s observing a little girl share her ice cream with her brother, witnessing a teenage boy give up his seat for an elderly woman on the subway, receiving an unexpected and precious gift from a friend, or getting the opportunity to bless an overwhelmed waiter with a big tip, kindness and generosity have a way of bringing beauty into even the ugliest days.
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.
Much of the external circumstances affecting your life are out of your control. That is, as they say, “reality!” You cannot control many—if not most—of these circumstances. So instead of needless, unhealthy, and wasteful worry and consternation, simply focus on what you can control.
Sometimes we’ve got something great that is worth hanging onto and fighting for. And sometimes what we have is good or ‘okay,’ but we should be willing to let it go in favor of something better. It takes flexibility, humility, and wisdom to know the difference.
Next time you’re feeling annoyed, frustrated, or critical toward a fellow human being, stop for a minute and strap on their shoes.
Highly successful people say “no.” They say it a lot. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, and that doesn’t mean they like it, but they realize it’s necessary. In order to create that which they are uniquely equipped to create, high achievers know they must guard their time carefully.
Years ago I discovered an excellent blog post by bestselling author and speaker Jon Acuff. Jon made a rather surprising list of all the good things that happen to you when you compare your success to someone else’s. That’s right—good things. Just wait until you see the list!
As a leader, you are a creator of opportunity for others! It is your privilege and responsibility to “open doors for people.” What doors will you open today?
