The Holidays help remind us that the best gifts are often the ones of appreciation and giving back. The entire month of November reminds you to be grateful, starting with gratitude to the Veterans who serve our country and ending with thankfulness among family and friends. Thanksgiving is the only holiday that includes “thanks” and “giving” as a part of its name, and it embraces the spirit of gratitude that brings you back to acknowledging your blessings and relationships.
It is a good time to think about the year and recall the things that are meaningful. The last couple of years have brought tremendous change to the workforce, some of it bringing positive change and some shaped with stress. But the surprising fact about gratitude is that it benefits you in both ways: being thankful for your blessings as well as your challenges.
Whether you are dreaming about a new career or conducting a job search, showing gratitude to others along the way is a cherished key strength. Regardless of your situation, being grateful impacts others in a good way. Demonstrating thankfulness with a sincere attitude of appreciation is a powerful emotion that connects people together.
A job search can often be a catalyst for appreciation in reminding you of how important it is to recognize others and appreciate their efforts in supporting you. This is a good time to take a look at your career goals and focus on what you have versus what you are missing. The truth is being appreciative sends positive energy that influences your communication and attracts what you send.
The same holds true if you are managing people. Anytime thoughtfulness reigns in your interactions with others, it matters. Gratitude is powerful, and the small stuff counts. The simplest gesture of kindness and recognizing other’s efforts makes for an unforgettable leader.
Research backs up the notion that being aware of gratitude amid turmoil brings you a different perspective.
Here are some ways to help you build a thankful attitude:
- Keep a daily gratitude journal. Make it simple by jotting down 3 to 5 things you appreciate and hope to see continue.
- Be specific about what you are grateful for in your journal, name it, and a brief note about how those good things came about.
- Choose someone whom you should thank or someone who has been helpful to you and write them a letter, a Gratitude Visit. Tell the person how they have been helpful to you.
- Acknowledging things you are grateful for changes your brain chemistry in a positive way.
- You function best when you are in a good mood and when you are grateful. Being appreciative creates “likeability” and helps you build supportive relationships.
Tracy Bower, Ph.D, wrote an excellent article about the importance of gratitude and characterized it as the root of happiness. According to the article, some philosophers believe that when you are more grateful, you tend to focus on the present, which can reduce anxiety about the future. This is helpful to keep in mind when job searching.
While every day might not be a national holiday dedicated to giving thanks, it can be a good reminder that showing gratitude is a powerful way to cultivate a positive attitude. The next time you encounter a difficult climb or obstacle, consider that it might be your chance to grow.
How has gratitude impacted your life? What makes cultivating gratitude important?