Showing Gratitude

Most of you reading this post are very fortunate. I would use the term that we are blessed. I won't go into the source of this blessing today, but I will offer that I take many things for granted and often lose sight of where I should offer thanks and be grateful. Let me share a few examples.

Think of a time recently where someone helped you with a contact or connection. They may have offered you a word of encouragement or even done something tangible to help you get through a challenging set of circumstances. What have you done to thank them or to show that you are grateful? My point today is to suggest that we all do the following on a regular basis:

1. Take time to reflect on where you are?
2. Consider how you got there and who helped you along the way?
3. Think about how you thanked those who played a part in helping you get to this current destination
4. Look around and see who could benefit from your help or your advice
5. Ask those identified in #4 if they would like your help-if the answer is yes, do what needs to be done
6. Take a look ahead and see where you want to go
7. Identify who can help you get there
8. Get moving!

This is not a complex or arduous process. My stumbling blocks are typically in taking time to reflect and also in seeing who else I can help. The world is full of potential stars who need a little advice or encouragement to help them break the inertia and get moving. You could be just what they need to get moving.

Gratitude is not a zero-sum process. I have more of an abundance mentality and the more gratitude we show, the more we will be shown. The timing is not always perfect, but people remember when you help or thank them. Do so because it is the right thing to and not because you are expecting a return.

Go forth and be grateful. There is no telling what a difference you can make in the life of someone else.