It’s Thanksgiving week and I have to say that it’s one of my favorite times of the year. Not that I don’t like the entire holiday season, but a chance to give thanks and have gratitude is something special. I try to practice it all the time in my personal life and in my business, but during another trying year, it can be difficult to make it happen.
Here are my top tips as a busy business owner to keep gratitude in your life and your business!
1 – Stop and smell the roses (in a manner of speaking.)
No matter if you’re working from home or if you’re back in a bustling office filled with workers, if you’re head down all the time you might never notice the things that you already have to be grateful for. Take a couple minutes pick your head up – look at your surroundings, look at your employees or co-workers and think about any and all the things that make them unique and human. Look inside yourself while you do and feel the gratitude and connection with everything around you.
2 – Make it a habit.
You get up and brush your teeth every morning right? Make your observation of the things and people around you and feeling gratitude for them a part of your daily routine. It can be before your feet hit the floor in the morning, or throughout the day. With employees or co-workers make it a point to go out of your way to say something kind to them or boost their morale all along,
You simply never know what a kind word or “attagirl” will do for someone. (Super special bonus? It will make YOU feel more gratitude for actually doing it!) Remember my post on Monday? Get out of that cage and interact with compassion and empathy with everyone you can. You’ll reap the dividends.
3 – Write it down.
I know, I know. There’s not enough hours in the day to get the “important” stuff done, how in the world will you find the time to write down your thoughts on gratitude? Here’s the thing, when you take the time to even jot down the smallest things in a small notebook or journal a funny thing starts to happen. You’ll start to remember more and more things to be grateful for and soon enough you’ll have a full journal and be starting on a new one. Now is the perfect time of year to start writing down these thoughts. The holidays are coming, you’ll be seeing people live or virtually you might not have connected with in a long time. The truly beautiful thing about putting your thoughts in writing is that… if you’re feeling down, or if you’re having trouble seeing the things around you, you can always go back to your own words and regain those feelings!
These are my Top 3 ways to find gratitude in your life AND your business – I would love to hear your thoughts on how you maintain gratitude and appreciation no matter what circumstance you might find yourself in, feel free to comment below and remember… I appreciate YOU!
Here’s something else to be grateful for that we thought we’d share…
Ascension Leadership Academy’s 32 day campaign to support Texas Advocacy Project
Domestic abuse, dating abuse, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking – chances are you’ve experienced some form of abuse, or someone you love has. But all too often, we don’t talk about it or get support. We keep it locked inside. Maybe it’s because we feel no one will understand. Maybe it’s because we’re ashamed. Maybe it’s because we are afraid abusers might retaliate.
So, we don’t say anything. We don’t get help. We stay trapped. And the abuse continues. But it doesn’t have to. Whenever you’re ready to get help, there is a safe place for you.
My wife Rachel B Lee and the third leadership class of Ascension Leadership Academy (ALA), are taking a stand against all forms of abuse and ending the silence, loneliness, and feeling of being trapped. They are partnering with the Texas Advocacy Project which provides free legal services, training, education, and resources to thousands of survivors across Texas.
As her part of their leadership program, her team of 25 is committed to raising $111,111 in 32 days for Texas Advocacy Project. By contributing to our campaign, you are taking direct action to help anyone who feels trapped in an abusive situation. It’s not okay. It doesn’t have to continue. Together, we will take a stand for safety and freedom.
- $100 can help answer more calls on our legal line 1-800-374-HOPE.
- $250 can provide more trainings to judges, attorneys, law enforcement, hospital staff and allied professional across the state.
- $500 can increase outreach efforts to reach communities at-risk of sexual assault, such as university students.
- $1,000 can help survivors receive access to our FREE legal and mental health services, including life-saving Safety Planning and Emergency Protective Orders.