The power of gratitude

We all clearly remember our parents or a grandparent saying to us, "What is the magic word? Usually it meant "please". But there is another transnational magic word, namely, "Thank you". Who would have expected simple words to have so much power? Showing appreciation and acknowledging gratitude in others can be purifying.

Since ancient times, philosophers have praised the benefits of living a life of gratitude. But you don't have to be Socrates to understand that being grateful and showing appreciation contributes to overall well-being.

Harvard Medical School states "Gratitude is a grateful appreciation of what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible" (Health.harvard.edu, 2020).

Whether thanking you for something a particular individual has done or showing gratitude spontaneously, it is about that ability to live a more positive existence. Further validation in the articles explains: "Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, enjoy good experiences, improve their health. tackle adversity and build strong relationships."

Being grateful without intention, however, can come across as insincere and empty. So it is important that gratitude and expressions of thanks become natural and natural to your personality.

This does not mean thanking people for expected behaviour; it means being aware of critical moments that call you to send and receive the benefits of gratitude. Ask yourself a few check-in questions ...

Do you send a handwritten thank-you note to a colleague, supplier or employee?
Do you keep a gratitude journal in which you commemorate your gratitude?
Do you mediate or find time to be calm and help centre your thoughts and feelings?
Do you actively and mentally show gratitude for accomplishments or goals achieved?
Do you celebrate the small victories and small steps forward in your life and business?

Different people need recognition in different ways. Find unique and different ways to show appreciation. Customers, employees and family members all need different levels and forms so that gratitude is received for optimal results.

In times of crisis and as life returns to a new normal, gratitude will be a useful skill and mindset to help us move forward. The fear and uncertainty of the pandemic have led many to forget to be grateful for what they have and instead long for what we have lost.

This becomes the fiction circle. The less satisfaction or appreciation for the new state, the less positive results you will attract.

Finding something to be grateful for when your business is closed, when bills are rising and when the future is uncertain may seem insurmountable. You may have to dig deeper to find little things you are grateful for.

Suspension of bankruptcies and government support for wage costs are both things companies can be thankful for, but like most habits that stick, you have put it into words.

Say it out loud: "I am grateful for the resources available during the pandemic to get my business reopened and restarted".

Becoming more grateful or allowing more grace into your life can have the following results:

Improves well-being, better physical and mental health
Deeper relationships
Improves optimism
Increases happiness
Stronger self-control
Greater physical fitness

Happierhuman.com also outlines the benefits of gratitude beyond your personal life. Companies and careers can see tangible improvements by being more grateful. Here are a few benefits:

Become a more effective manager
Helps you network
Helps you achieve and maintain your goals
Improves your decision-making ability
Increasing productivity

Find ways to bring more gratitude into your life. Celebrate the smallest achievements and share that gratitude with those in your circle. Spread gratitude, add a thank you and remember to appreciate life's opportunities to bring you more abundance in return.

Brad Sugars, the founder and CEO of ActionCOACH, also explored the power of gratitude in a recent Drive Time video:

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.