‍Benefits of Gratitude

Let’s first define gratitude. Positive Psychology defines it in a way that its effects can be measured therefore, “gratitude is more than feeling thankful: it is a deeper appreciation for someone (or something) that produces longer lasting positivity.”

Expressing gratitude has positive effects all around. Not only do the people whom you are expressing gratitude towards feel good because of these words of thankfulness, but you are putting yourself in a positive mentality that can change the way you work.

This “longer lasting positivity” can have significant effects on our business, including:

• Becoming a more effective manager
• Expanding our network
• Achieving and attaining goals
• Improving decision-making capabilities
• Increasing productivity

‍

Being Grateful During Times of Crisis

The concept of gratefulness is even more important during times of crisis because our tendency is naturally going to be to worry and stress about things we maybe cannot control. But we must remember that we can always control our response to these situations. Not only can we continue to see the effects mentioned above, but we will be less stressed, anxious, and depressed.

Another thing we can be grateful for is the resources we have available to us to keep our business afloat.

What to be Grateful for in Your Business

I have a lot to be grateful for, and it’s important to recognize that!

This is because, according to the Harvard Medical School, “gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” In return, this can have impressive effects on our business as we build genuine connections with our customers and team members.

Some things I’m grateful for this year include.

• Growing my business substantially with the addition of new clients
• I’ve grown my team, which allows me to free up my evenings and weekends
• I’ve connected with like-minded business owners through our Business Spotlight Series

Thank you without intent, however, can appear insincere and hollow. If you’re just saying “thank you” just to say it, that’s not an act of gratitude, that’s just good manners. It doesn’t necessarily mean doing or giving someone something, but be sincere in your feelings So, it is important that gratitude and the acts of thankfulness become habitual and organic.

To do this, we should look for small things in our everyday life to be thankful for and tune in with critical moments that call for us to send and receive the benefits of gratitude.

Ask yourself a few check-in questions…

• Do you send handwritten notes of thankfulness to a colleague, supplier, or employee?
• Do you keep a gratitude diary or journal where you memorialize thankfulness?
• Do you meditate, pray, or find time to reflect and center your thoughts and feelings?
• Do you actively and mentally show yourself gratitude for accomplishments made or goals achieved?
• Do you celebrate the minor victories and the small steps forward in your life and business?

These are just a few ideas to show thankfulness, but expressing gratitude may look different for you. You may prefer talking to them in person, giving gifts, or acts of service. Additionally, different people require acknowledgment in different ways. Customers, employees, and family members all require different levels and measures of gratitude.

For more ideas on how you can show your gratitude to the people around you, reach out to us. We have a ton of examples and resources that have helped to transform company culture for the best. We guarantee we can find something for you. Schedule a complimentary coaching session today!