“Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.”
Aldous Huxley
There’s a simple and surprisingly effective exercise you can do each day that will not only boost your spirits, but lighten the perceived burden of your daily to-do list. No, it doesn’t require running shoes. You can do it without breaking a sweat, right from the comfort of your car, your desk, or even the line at Starbucks.
All you have to do each day is think of five things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things. In fact, it’s great to start with the little things. It helps get you in the flow. Start with one or two basic things you take for granted, for example: “I’m grateful for a hot shower in the morning.” Or: “I’m grateful for a safe neighborhood.”
What you want to do is come up with five new things each time you practice. You might find this challenging at first. There should be a little struggle, but push through it. “I’m grateful for the smile of the guy at the bagel shop.” Or: “I’m grateful for my Remember the Milk app on my phone.”
It might seem silly at first, but you’ll notice that the more you express your gratitude, the more you’ll connect to a general feeling of benevolence for others and well-being. Really take a moment for each simple gratitude to sink in. Visualize what you’re grateful for and recall experiencing it.
This gratitude exercise will connect you to the world in a positive way, make the trivial annoyances in life sting less, and remind you to note what it is in the world you truly appreciate. When your focus shifts to gratitude, your attitude improves.
Give it a try this week and see what you think. Waiting in line, stuck in traffic, killing time between appointments… they’re all great windows to practice a little gratitude.
Photo credit: vinothchandar
Here’s to your continued success,
Scott Levitt
President, Oakley Signs & Graphics
P.S.: Get Perspective on Your Business:
Scott’s Thoughts: 137 Perspectives You Can Use to See Your Business, Your Clients & Yourself in a New Way:
http://www.tuesdaytactics.com/scotts-thoughts-ebook/
