Gratitude Revolutionizes Your World

Gratitude is a powerful secret. I think individuals and organizational teams could be transformed if we spent more time in gratitude and less time focusing on what is missing.

I think if leaders had their teams bring a gratitude list with them to a weekly meetings and began the meeting with everybody sharing a point of gratitude, that team would change.

When teams write gratitude lists, they remind themselves that during the week other people helped them succeed alot more often than they undermined them. Giving thanks reminds us of the people and processes that are working in our favor. What we focus on each day gets magnified. If we focus on obstacles, we are overwhelmed. If we focus on gratitude, we’re energized.

Here are some thing for which I am immensely grateful:

• My clients. Each one of you placed something special in my hands. You allowed me to help you change your environment and build success. You have, in turn, made me a more effective partner by teaching me along the way. And the friendships I have forged are invaluable.
• My obstacles. l probably am only saying this because today has been obstacle-free, but I am eternally grateful for the obstacles in life. Those hurdles I faced as a preacher’s daughter taught me that we should be very carefully with how we judge others; the hurdles faced as a mother taught me compassion;  the obstacles faced in corporate America taught me how to lead change more effectively.
• Diet Coke. Okay, I realize this might not really be healthy, but it’s gotten me through many early morning meetings. I’d like to take a moment and acknowledge that benefit.
• Louis Armstrong’s version of “What a Wonderful World.” If you love the song, you know why I’m grateful for it.

 Try the gratitude approach. Write down at least three things a day for which you’re grateful. Have your team do the same. and have them share those points each week.  It will make a world of difference in a world of change.

Now, enjoy your wonderful world: