Gratitude Makes You Confident!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone,?

As I sit here contemplating and being thankful for the feast about to take place at my brother-in-law's later today, it is only fitting to write about gratitude and its power in improving your confidence and overall well-being. Gratitude is that warm and beautiful emotion you feel when you focus on the good, are thankful and appreciate what you have and the people surrounding you.

People who have made Gratitude part of their habits report feeling more optimistic, satisfied, confident, and happy, with increased self-esteem and improved mood.?To prove this to you, I want you to complete an exercise with me:?

Think about one person that has helped and supported you throughout your life or career. Anchor on that person and picture them in your mind. Imagine having a conversation with that person, and they are telling you all the positive qualities you possess and how proud they are of everything you have done. Replay a moment when they gave you excellent feedback or were there to support you through a difficult time. Look at them in the eyes and thank them for all they have done for you. Tell them how much you appreciate them and the actions they have taken to make you feel loved, cared for, appreciated, and valued.

Did you smile as you thought about it? Did you allow that warm feeling to take over? Did you tear up a little? Did you feel valued, loved, and appreciated? Imagine if you felt that way every day - how would you start to see yourself and the world around you? I bet you would quickly realize how valuable your contributions are and how much people support and appreciate you.?

Interestingly, despite compelling research on the benefits of gratitude, regular practice can take time to maintain. Gratitude builds on itself and must be practiced consistently to become habitual.

Here are my five favorite Gratitude Habits. Pick one that resonates with you and implement it this week:?

1. Reach out to someone you feel grateful for and tell them what actions they have taken that made you feel grateful.
2. Show immediate gratitude when someone has done something for you that you appreciate.
3. Celebrate when your employee, colleague, close friend, or loved one completes a challenging task.?
4. Start your team meetings or family dinner by asking everyone to share one thing for which they feel Grateful. This simple activity creates a friendly, open, and honest environment that can increase effective communication and deepen the relationship.
5. Sit down and write what you are grateful for (do not let anything out, even if it's minimal). Once you are done, read that list again and keep it somewhere with you. When you are feeling agitated, anxious, or triggered, take three deep breaths, and think about what you are grateful. If you have the list handy, open it and read it.

As you practice gratitude today, commit to cultivating this practice every day and not just once a year. I promise that you will see the world from an entirely new perspective, and you will radiate confidence and contagious optimism.?

Happy Thanksgiving!?I am grateful for all of you and your support.?