Practicing gratitude sounds like some trite thing Deepak Oprah tells her legion of house wife minions to do but there is something to it for those non-Kool Aid drinkers among us.  Particularly when you tell someone you’re grateful for something they’ve contributed to your life, it makes you both feel good.

Most of us don’t get enough gratitude in our lives.  When was the last time some expressed gratitude for something you did at work?  Maybe that’s never happened.  When was the last time you told your significant other you were grateful for some small thing they did, emptying the dishwasher without being asked or picking up the dry cleaning?  If you aren’t getting enough kudos, most people around you probably aren’t either.  So instead of waiting for the gratitude to be bestowed, be the bestower.  That sounds like something a wizard would say doesn’t it.  You know what I mean though?

Fake gratitude is not very, well, gratifying.  Make sure that any expression of your appreciation is genuinely meant.  Telling someone who demonstrably sucks at their job   that they’re doing top notch work makes you feel like a liar and makes them think you’re a liar.

Here is a little exercise, write a letter to someone you are grateful for, tell them why.  And then send the letter.  Imagine if you were on the receiving end of a letter like that.  Wouldn’t you like to make someone feel like that?  You can, just write the letter.  Or if that is too corny for you, use the Lift App to make gratitude a habit.

What or whom are you grateful for?  Let us know in the comments.

 Show Notes

DuClaw XX IPA:  A double IPA with a big hop flavor.

LMM Tool Box:  What we use to get things done.

Ted Talk:  The happy secret to better work.

The Happiness Project:  Tear up as people show their gratitude.

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