I am an avid believer in the power of gratitude. This practice, done daily, has added richness, joy, and contentment into my life. The tough times still come, but never seem as tough. The good things are savored.
Why do this? Up until the 1990s, research about mental health and human psychology began to shift from studying dysfunction to understanding optimal mental health and high performance. This is called positive psychology. Multiple academic studies show us that gratitude can be learned and cultivated. And those that have a grateful mindset and express appreciation to others experience:
- Increased levels of well-being and life satisfaction
- More happiness
- Better energy
- More optimism
- Less depression
- Improved health, specifically lower blood pressure
- Higher levels of control of their environment
- More personal growth
- Higher sense of purpose
- Better ability to deal with difficulties
- Fewer negative coping strategies (think drugs, alcohol, and other harmful habits)
- Better sleep
- Increased longevity
- Positive impact to others
This positive impact of gratitude spills over to your work team, family, and community. When you are grateful, they experience a more positive work environment, higher performance, more loyalty, increased citizenship behavior, and higher levels of commitment.
It’s simple to do – just taking a few minutes at the close of the day to note 4 to 5 things you are grateful for, is all it takes. Over time, you’ll train your brain to see things in more perspective – as a balance of things that challenge us and delight us.
Amp up your practice by sharing your gratitude with others. This is as simple as words of acknowledgment – nothing extravagant required here. Authentic, heartfelt and sincere are the only requirements.
For more ideas on practicing gratitude, Chapter 14 in my book, The Leader’s Guide to Turbulent Times, is filled with them.
So practice, practice, practice. And share with us the positive outcomes you experience once you do.
