In the current landscape, it’s crucial not to overlook the transformative power of a quality that so many leaders emphasize… Gratitude.
During this final week of Women’s History Month, as we continue honoring the women who inspire us, I want to delve into gratitude and explore some impactful ways to lead with it.
Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most potent gestures we can extend to one another, serving as a catalyst for increased contentment, happiness, and overall well-being.
What is gratitude?
Defined as: feeling thankful for the blessings in one’s life. A mood, emotion, or feeling of appreciation. Acknowledging the positive aspects of one's life, being mindful of the blessings present, and feeling a sense of indebtedness or goodwill towards those who have contributed to one's well-being or happiness.
It's not just about saying “thank you,” but embodying appreciation for the abundance surrounding us - things often taken for granted such as life, relationships, good health, and everyday comforts.
Strategies to amplify the impact of gratitude:
* Authenticity
When expressing gratitude, ensure sincerity, specificity, and personalization. Celebrate the unique contributions of individuals and express a genuine interest in their lives. It’s easy to personalize appreciation by simply adding "a name" at the beginning and "for" at the end of "thank you." For instance, instead of saying "Thank You!" you can make it more personal and specific by saying, "Jane, thank you for helping me with my marketing project." Calling someone by their name and expressing exactly what you’re grateful for is a powerful way to show them they are special.
* Lead by Example
Your actions set the standard for expected behavior. Model gratitude in your interactions, whether through verbal appreciation, acts of service, or handwritten notes. Handwritten notes hold a particular significance for me and many others, especially amid today’s digital communication overload. They should be valued as a genuine gift knowing that someone took time out of their busy day to think of you, and carefully pen and mail a card or special note.
* Consistency
Make gratitude a habitual part of your daily life. Whether through a simple text, email, or phone call, regularly express appreciation to those who inspire, support, and motivate you. We never truly comprehend the profound impact such gestures can have; they possess the potential to entirely transform someone's day or even their entire week.
Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it holds the power to heal our bodies, minds, and souls, fostering happier and healthier relationships. Research suggests that living with and cultivating a grateful mindset nurtures emotional intelligence, aiding in identifying and regulating emotions, and supporting us in reframing negative thoughts and behaviors.
"According to Forbes Health, gratitude plays a role in a person’s ability to identify and regulate emotions, with studies pointing to a relationship between gratitude and emotional intelligence. “When we focus our attention on the good in our lives, the components that make us feel sad or worried are minimized. This gives a sense of emotional freedom and serenity, regardless of what we face. When we feel grateful for something, we handle it with care, attentiveness, and consciousness.” - Dr. Dani Moye, Ph.D.
In Conclusion
In a world where success is often measured by material wealth or professional achievements, it’s easy to overlook the impact of gratitude. Yet research has shown that a practice of gratitude is not only a source of happiness and fulfillment, but also a key component of emotional intelligence and other indispensable interpersonal skills. By nurturing a mindset of gratitude, we not only enhance our own resilience and deepen self-awareness, but also cultivate stronger more meaningful connections. These connections serve as the foundation for thriving in both our personal and professional spaces, enabling us to flourish in every aspect of our lives.
How do YOU practice gratitude? If you’re uncertain where to start, I encourage you to reflect on the people and things you’re most grateful for and make a habit jotting down your thoughts daily. Continue this practice, revisiting your compiled list whenever necessary, and observe the transformative energy it brings to your life.
BONUS:
A couple of things that help me remain in a daily state of gratitude.
1. Ending each day, I compose a To-Do list for the following day, incorporating gratitude by reflecting on 1-achievement and 1-blessing from the day.
2. Beginning each morning with a brief 12-minute meditation or 5-minute breathing exercise, reflecting on the previous day’s favor and an affirmation for the present day by closing my eyes and saying…
“The universe supports me in everything I do. I love life and life loves me, as EVERYTHING flows to and through me and always works out in my favor and for the best!
Today will be magical!”
Here’s to a remarkable 2024 filled with gratitude and growth!
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Until next time... Sending you peace and positive vibes!