The Importance of The Gratitude Stone

The Gratitude Stone by Chester Elton

I am a big believer in rituals. They help me stay centered and connected to my core values. A ritual of daily prayer helps me stay connected to my faith, daily meditation maintains my mental health, and a daily practice of telling my wife that I love her helps me never take her kindness for granted. In addition, my daily gratitude posts on LinkedIn are not just a chance to show off my grandkids, but remind me that even in the hardest times there is much to be grateful for in life.

I started a new daily ritual recently: carrying a handful of Gratitude Stones.

It’s a simple thing really, and not expensive. I order a batch of small stones online that have the word “Gratitude” engraved on them. They are common stones and yet quite beautiful.

These Gratitude Stones easily can fit into a pocket or sit on your desk, and they remind you to think of what you are grateful for. The stones are different shapes and sizes, each one is unique (kind of like each one of us when you think about it).

My ritual is to carry a few of these stones with me when I travel, present to a leadership group, or even go for a morning walk. The rocks in my pocket or bag remind me to look for someone who is doing something worthwhile—perhaps something simple—that normally is not recognized.

I stop and thank the person for their service. I’ve thanked workers for keeping the park clean in my neighborhood, a flight attendant who offered kind words to parents with a crying baby, my trash collector who shows up every week rain or snow, and our wonderful letter carrier Armando who brings us messages (and packages) from the outside world every day. Many of these folks only hear from their customers when something goes wrong. I am always surprised by how much a simple thank you means to them.

As to the stone, it memorializes the moment. I explain to the person that I hope the little gratitude rock will be a reminder that what they do every day doesn’t go unnoticed; and this stone is a token that they can carry with them or put somewhere visible. Maybe, one day when they get discouraged, they will see it and feel buoyed up and know that their work does matter.

This week I took my first international trip in a year and half. As I was about to leave for Saudi Arabia, I was anxious about getting the right tests, filling out the right forms, and making sure I would have enough time to get through customs and security. But at every step of the way there was a kind person who helped me move on to the next step. It was a little spiritual in the way I felt cared for and comforted. How could I not pay that forward with a little kindness, a moment of thanks, and a good luck gratitude stone?

On the flight back, I took a moment to tell my flight attendant how much her care had meant to me. In turn, she said that it was so nice to hear someone say thank you. So many of these hard-working folks have endured abuse during the pandemic, and rarely does appreciate their great service. After all, would you want to be in charge of 250 grumpy people on a seven-hour flight that leaves at 1:00 am?

I believe there is a ripple effect to this gratitude. After I present a stone, it seems the person has a little more spring in their step. As to me, I am always grateful for how it makes me feel.

I’d love to read about your gratitude rituals below. I believe that gratitude attracts more gratitude, and I am so appreciative of you and the wonderful support you have given the work Adrian Gostick and I have been doing for 20 years now.

I wish you a gratitude-filled holiday season!

Love and gratitude,

IT"S TIME TO VOTE GLOBAL GURU'S!!!?I'm grateful?Adrian Gostick?and I are nominated in the leadership and culture categories with the Global Gurus.

30% of the ranking valuation is based on your votes. If you have a few seconds, Adrian and I would appreciate your votes for us in the?Leadership?and?Organizational Culture?categories! #gratefulforyou .

WE THRIVE TOGETHER

If you are looking for a safe place to talk about anxiety at work and mental health, please join us at?We Thrive Together?This is a free community that Adrian and I have started to help people who suffer from anxiety themselves or are managing people who are feeling anxious, burnout, and stress. We share ideas and show up for each other, and everyone is welcome.

ANXIETY AT WORK PODCAST

It's a proven fact that you can't be in a state of anxiety and gratitude at the same time! Each week, my coauthor and dear friend,?Adrian Gostick?and I talk to some of the world’s leading authorities on mental health and explore the causes of workplace stress and anxiety, along with practices that are proven to reduce tension and cultivate calm. Our latest episode of?Anxiety at Work?podcast is with Julie Spurlin, Global Senior HR Executive at Software AG. She shares her ideas on organizational effectiveness - you won't want to miss this episode!

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?

This morning, after a long trip to Riyadh and back, I am grateful for positive self talk. For daily rituals that remind me to be thankful for the many many good people in my life. My wonderful wife and amazing children and grandchildren. When I get tired I can often turn to negative self talk. Today I will be thankful for all these good people and find happiness and joy in their company.

What are you grateful for today?

#gratitude ?#findyourgratitude ?#leadingwithgratitude

IN THE BOOK CORNER

Creating a culture of learning and growth by Whitney Johnson

Growth is the goal. Helping people develop their potential—enabling them to articulate and become the self they want to be, are capable of being, and that best serves them and others in the short and long term—is what we as individuals and leaders strive toward.

Ships Jan 11th - pre-order your copy today.

Chester Elton has spent two decades helping clients engage their employees to execute on strategy, vision, and values. His work is supported by research with more than 1 million working adults, revealing the proven secrets behind high-performance cultures and teams. He and his coauthor, Adrian Gostick are the founders of The Culture Works, a global coaching, speaking, and training company.

Leading with Gratitude?& Anxiety at Work?are available wherever you like to get your books.?Visit?Leading with Gratitude Book?for free resources including videos, podcast episodes, and more, to help you build a culture of gratitude.