Thanks to celebrities, like Oprah and Dr. Phil, we are all familiar with the benefits of having, showing and sharing gratitude in our lives. Over the past few years, dozens and dozens of blogs have extolled gratitude’s virtues including better sleep, improved relationships, increased mental strength and even better heart health.
cliché or not . . .
This week is a great time to focus your attention outward and look around for things (people, possessions, relationships….) that you are thankful for. The result? Improved health, happiness and productivity. That’s right, studies have shown that gratitude impacts your work life as much as your private life. Want to be a better leader? Connect with your team and let them know you are grateful for that new idea last week, their willingness to work late on the big proposal, or just how much it means that they show up every day to support your company’s goals and objectives.
What I like best about gratitude?
It costs nothing, but continues to pay dividends long after it has been shown. In my experience, it is the simplest, most cost-effective way to improve business in any industry. There is no special training program and it grows organically. The boss that thanks his team for delivering on-time and under-budget improves morale for his employees. His employees, in turn, thank a colleague for their input or assistance. The colleague thus feels appreciated and is more apt to assist with a future project and – voila – productivity has just increased.
Here’s the challenge: For one month find something or someone to be grateful for every day. Good day or bad day – it doesn’t matter. Look for at least one thing that you can be grateful for and vocalize it. Share it. Ponder it. [Download a calendar here]
Need more inspiration? Some of the gratitude blogs that I’ve enjoyed over the years:
7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude That Will Motivate you to Give Thanks Year-Round
10 Reasons Why Gratitude is Healthy
A Dose of Gratitude: How Being Thankful can Keep You Healthy
The Business Case for Gratitude, Become a Better Entrepreneur
About the author:
Traci Ulberg actively chose to base her business (and life) in the beautiful state of Montana. It is here that she has found not only a talented pool of professionals, but also the post-work activities that help maintain a healthy life balance. She enjoys all things outdoors with her husband and three children. She also harbors a secret love for building and is known for lending a hand to friends and family that have framing, roofing, and wiring projects. No fear of heights here!
