How to Gain an Attitude of Gratitude

Word Count: 965

Estimated reading time: 5 mins

“Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing.” – Zig Ziglar

What We Need More Of

A story is told about a janitor who worked for a company for 20 years without receiving any appreciation whatsoever. She planned to quit the day after the company changed ownership. But, a few days after the change, the new owner handed personalized thank you notes to each employee. Upon receiving her note, the janitor broke down in tears. That little note meant so much to her and she continued working there. She became a recipient of something we all need to give and receive more of; gratitude. 

Starting today and through November, I will chronicle some important aspects of gratitude and how we can use it to put a positive stamp in a world starved of it. Here is the roadmap:

1. An Attitude of Gratitude (today’s post)
2. Habits of Grateful People -Part 1 (11/7)
3. Habits of Grateful People- Part 2 (11/14)

Small Expressions, Big Impressions

We never know how far the little things like saying “thank you” or an act of kindness can go in making an impression in other people’s lives. We live in a noisy and chaotic world. It’s easy to point out the myriad of problems around us or the plethora of things we can get angry over. Staying absorbed in what’s wrong can flush out our ability to be kind and grateful. Subscribing to an attitude of gratitude can radically make a difference in our lives and our world. Pastor Jack Graham confirms the power of gratitude by saying “Gratitude sweetens our disposition, brightens our day and encourages those around us.” Gratitude is a small expression with a big impression. 

The shift that gave a lift

For example, John Kralik’s life had reached a distressing low. With a failing business, a second divorce pending, and estranged from his children, things could get no worse for him. Add to that, he was overweight. In his intriguing book, 365 Thank Yous, John distills how shifting to an attitude of gratitude changed the trajectory of his life. He set a goal of sending one thank you note a day to people who he had come across in his life. Over time he went from distressed to fulfilled. The shift brought about a lift. His story reminds us that what we focus on has a tremendous impact on the direction and quality of our lives.  

Your life flows where your focus goes

There is a high probability that on any given day negative and toxic thoughts will attempt to rent space in your head. Zig Ziglar emphatically advises us to  “raise the rent and kick them out.” How do we “raise the rent?” First, we must fix our focus in the right place and on the right things. Focus is a function of thought and attention.  A scripture in the Bible is forever etched in my mind regarding this. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable,… think on such things” (Philippians 4:8). I can think of no better mental diet for the person who wants to shift their focus and perspective away from the negative and toxic and dwell on the positive.

Second, default to showing gratitude and kindness consistently. Again, I defer to Ziglar again who said, “Among the things you can give and still keep are, your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” As I write I am reminded of the numerous times that I have experienced numerous acts of random kindness. In particular, I recall a time when I was behind a lady who had a shopping cart filled with groceries. I had a handful of items. Glancing at my items, she smiled at me and beckoned me to go ahead of her. I returned my gratitude to her. It left an impression on me. Since then, I have become more aware of doing the same for others. We may not be able to end world hunger or poverty overnight but we could all put a big dent in the poverty of gratitude and kindness that plagues our world by looking for ways to express both. Trust me, they are all around us. 

Third, ask yourself each night before you sleep, “What am I thankful for today?” Even one thing will do. This does not mean you had a good day. But it is possible to find treasure in the trash. Maybe someone treated you wrong or unfairly. Be thankful that they showed you how not to treat others. Be thankful that they made you stronger. Gratitude will change your mental posture before going to sleep and disentangle your mind from anxiety and worry, which are the main culprits of sleeplessness. In doing so, you will be supplied with the one thing that most people lack and yet seek. Contentment. Make the choice to focus on an attitude of gratitude. Graham further elaborates, “If you can’t think of something to be grateful for…, then think of some things you don’t have that you can be grateful for. For example, you can be grateful that you don’t have a fatal disease or unemployment staring in the face.” Apply some gratitude before you sleep tonight and every night afterward. Just one thing. It will change how you see everything! 

Final thought: Gratitude is perhaps the best way to ensure that you are emotionally healthy and wealthy. Your emotional stock will soar and the dividends it gives will be invaluable. Make the shift and experience the lift!

Keep on keeping on

Please note that there will be no posts on November 21st and 28th. Look for a new blog series starting December 5th. I am forever grateful for your continued encouragement!