In recent years the proliferation of gratitude journals has filled nightstands and bookshelves – for a reason.
The fundamental nature of gratitude has been known forever. Pick a book – whether it is self-help, psychology or religion - and it’s there.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because you can’t be politically incorrect about gratitude. It applies to everyone.
Did you know that gratitude changes your body chemistry and that changes how you view the world? Gratitude releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel good. When you feel good, you see your glass as half full instead of half empty.
The state of your physiology is directly tied to the way you act. When in gratitude, you smile at the guy in the elevator, which can lead to a conversation and that next opportunity. Without choosing gratitude and releasing those endorphins, we stare at our feet. And what comes out of that?
Gratitude is one way to fortify yourself against life. If you’re already crawling by and the engine light in your car starts flashing, it takes you to the floor. If you are strong and clear, a blinking engine light is an annoying bump in the road. The difference is the degree of resiliency that you maintain.
That same resiliency is a critical factor in leadership and in business.
So, pull out that journal and grab a pen. What are you grateful for?
-Jan
