Develop an attitude of gratitude for your team and watch people blossom before your eyes. November is already synonymous with Thanksgiving, both literally and figuratively, so what better time to start than now? We aren’t just talking about your work team though. We’re talking about everyone on Team (insert your name here). All of us rely on a host of people for a lot of different things, but we often forget to tell them how grateful we are for them. 2020 has been a doozy. The stress from COVID alone has negatively affected the mental health of half the U.S. population. And with the recent spike in COVID numbers, Thanksgiving get togethers is just the last casualty of the pandemic. Instead of lamenting what we’re missing, let’s focus on the positive. We all have people in our lives to be thankful for! We encourage you to show gratitude to your family, friends and teammates, and the behind the scenes people that make our lives easier and better.
Who Deserves The Attitude of Gratitude?
Everyone on your team, of course. So, here’s a question for you? When was the last time you expressed gratitude to your child, in-laws, neighbor, dry cleaner, grocer, barista, janitor or mail person? What about your administrative assistant, coworker or manager? I’m not talking about just saying thank you for a service provided, a rule followed, or a favor. I’m talking about really showing gratitude for the role they play in your life, especially if they make it easier and better.
Gratitude Research Says It All
Studies also show that people who regularly practice gratitude have more positive thoughts, resulting in less anxiety and depression. They also have better personal relationships, increased resilience, and stronger immune systems. Doesn’t that make you want to run out and buy some gratitude?! Oh, wait. You can’t buy it. You have to practice gratitude in order to reap the benefits of it.
I know what you’re thinking. I’m too busy, too stressed, too tired to have to add one more thing to my To Do list! And I feel you. However, if you really are that busy, stressed and tired, wouldn’t some positivity feel amazing? Lucky for you (and me!) the research on gratitude provides super simple ways to begin to practice it. And with such a huge payoff, why wouldn’t you begin today?
How To Practice an Attitude of Gratitude
The first and easiest way to begin to practice gratitude is to keep a running list of the things you’re grateful for and why. Just writing it all down can make you feel better. I remember starting a gratitude journal and on the first day I could only think of ibuprofen to add to the list, but as each day passed, it became easier to pinpoint all the things I depended on to live my life.
Another easy way to incorporate gratitude into your daily life is to make a second list of everyone who impacts your life positively and what they might have done recently. For example, did your kid give you a hug, remember to make their bed, put the toilet seat down, or make you smile in some other way? Did the barista make your coffee perfectly and spell your name correctly? Has your hairdresser, nail tech, coworker or spouse listened patiently as you’ve vented about all things life? Does your teammate, admin or manager know how much you appreciate the work they do?
Just Can’t Stop the Feeling
Once you start down the gratitude trail, it can often be difficult to know where to stop. Personally, I don’t think there is a finish line as long as you continue to bring people into your life, but you don’t need to let yourself become overwhelmed by everyone that deserves your gratitude. Just start taking a few minutes every day to tell the people in your life that cross your path
- they are making a positive impact on your life
- and you’re grateful for them
This is the third way to work acts of gratitude into your daily life. The simple act of recognition and thankfulness for the people on your team is a win-win. And will, over time, improve your mental well-being and your relationships. You’ll be surprised at how much positivity you’ll start to notice in your life when you begin practicing gratitude.
Attitude of Gratitude Go-Getters
If you really want to go the extra mile, learn about the personality styles of the people in your life. Showing gratitude based on the emotional needs of their personality will go a long way in solidifying relationships at home and at work, and we can help you learn how. Talk to us about the DiSC personality assessments and training we provide.
And in case you want to share the idea of developing gratitude with your employer, research shows that organizations that show gratitude to their employees are 12 times more likely to see a positive impact on their business. Imagine being the person responsible for putting that bug in their ear.
You can do it, and we can help.
The Culture (R)evolution Starts With You!
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