As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s never more appropriate to consider the impact of gratitude on our lives, especially as a leader. There’s so much to be thankful for and so much we take for granted.
Have you ever been led by someone who lacked gratitude? You could tell, couldn’t you? They walked around with a sour look on their face, their actions displayed disdain to those around them, and there was this sense of tension in the air.
A person that lacks gratitude is hard to be around. Do you know what’s even harder? Being around a leader who lacks gratitude.
Photo by Miguel Bautista on Unsplash
It’s impressive what gratitude can do for you. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood, and immunity. On top of that, when you are grateful, you decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain, and the risk of disease!
Those are powerful psychological and emotional benefits.
Influence Of Gratitude On A Leader’s Well-Being And Performance
You’ve already read what a grateful heart and mind can do for a person’s psychological and emotional well-being, but gratitude goes beyond the emotional and psychological. Your sense of gratitude impacts your overall well-being and your performance as a leader.
Here are a few ways that gratitude influences you in these areas:
- You have more energy and focus
- You stave away depression and anxiety
- You treat others better, which results in better performance from them
- You are more engaged, and so are your employees
- You inspire others more
- You deepen your sense of purpose
- And so much more
Tips And Tricks To Have More Gratitude In Your Life
There’s a multitude of ways to improve your gratitude. I can’t list all the tips and tricks, but here are 10 that will help you be more grateful.
1. Create a gratitude journal
2. Verbally thank your employees
3. Send out thank you notes to five people a week
4. Stop being picky
5. View bad things in light of the long-term
6. Be present and in the moment
7. Serve others
8. Let others know what you’re thankful for
9. Pray
10. Create visual reminders
The Impact Of Gratitude On A Leader’s Life
Gratitude can and will change your life if you let it. Focus on the good, look for the positive, and begin to be grateful for the situations in your life.
As you begin to focus on things to be thankful for, you’ll soon discover your life is a lot better than you thought. There are so many things to be grateful for.
Let gratitude impact and improve your life.
