Gratefulness is not something discussed in the corporate world. This month I have experienced first hand the effect gratitude has on the lives of those around us. If we had it as an agenda item on our team meetings you would see your colleagues in a whole new light and success would follow you all around.
Have you ever participated in a “30 days of Gratitude Challenge?”
Everyday you publicly announce what you are grateful for. Whether you do it on Facebook, Twitter, Email or just “yell it to the stars”, the outcome would surprise you.
Barefoot Mentor Facebook followers and I have been completing the challenge this month. Each time I work my way through the process I learn so much about myself, but the most surprising thing is the drive it gives me to get up and make a difference in my life and the lives of those I come in contact with.
Here are 5 things that I have learned by acknowledging what I am grateful for each day.
1. Having gratitude makes you come alive.
You all of a sudden have “va-va-voom”! It’s the feeling of allowing positivity into your thoughts and getting rid of the negative ones. You have the drive to take on new challenges and be grateful for other people that come along for the ride.
2. Reflecting on gratitude makes you focus.
When you have to really think about what you are grateful for, you place emphasis on all the constructive and supportive things in your life. When you do this for 30 days, you really need to dig deep into your life to make each day about a different aspect. You find that exercising your mind this way gives you clarity.
3. You value your own thoughts and input into the world much more.
Social media has allowed us to voice our thoughts to everyone and anyone who is out there. This is such a new phenomenon that we have to work out how to use it wisely. You would have lots of experience that has made you who you are today that can be shared with a new audience. Over-sharing happens more often than not, but if you are serious about sharing your gratitude, it will have “happiness effect” on those it touches.
4. Being grateful makes you more successful.
You can’t be successful unless you have the right frame of mind. Many people fail in business because of the way they look at success. I love the saying “the attitude of gratitude”. It sums it up perfectly. Success is very personal. Everyone has a different definition, when you add gratefulness into the mix you are well and truly on your way to achieving your dreams.
5. When you are grateful, your “shine” rubs off on others.
Gratefulness does not always equate to happiness, but it does give you a glow that shows you are appreciative of all you have in life and those that have helped you along the way. Letting someone know that you are grateful for things they have done or ways you have been treated will share the feeling of warmth you have.
30 days of gratitude is not easy. You have some mornings where you know exactly what you want to share. Other mornings are more difficult. Life is not “a box of chocolates” every day, and you will need to dig deep into your reasoning to find something you want to contribute to with the world.
The best thing about the process is, it will make you more considerate of your family, your friends, your colleagues and even your pets.
What are you grateful for?
I dare you to take up the challenge and try “30 days of Gratitude”. I would love to hear how you are doing with it and who you have invited along for the ride.
Share to be inspired, be inspired to share.
