Simple Ways to Access the Power of Gratitude in Your Business

The practice of gratitude as a tool for happiness has been in the mainstream for years. Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to greater success in work, greater health, peak performance in sports and business, a higher sense of well-being, and a faster rate of recovery from surgery.

But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, it still can be difficult to sustain. So many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking in our lives. "I need more clients." "I need to make more money." "I should be farther along in my business."


And for gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives and have a positive impact in our business, it needs to become more than just a seasonal word or something that we feel when things are going our way. We have to learn a new way of looking at all things and create new habits. And that can take some time.

That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving thanks for all we have in our life and our experiences in creating the business we desire, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing.

Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things in life are whitewashed or ignored. It’s more a matter of where we put our focus, energy, and attention. Setbacks and struggles exist as we grow to new levels of our business, but when we focus on the gifts, we gain a feeling of well-being. Gratitude balances us and gives us hope.

There are many things to be grateful for: the beauty of colorful flowers, friends who listen, colleagues who are supportive and constantly give encouragement, a cool breeze on a warm day, dinner each evening with loved ones, our health. What’s on your list?

Some Ways to Practice Gratitude

1. Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. Greater frequency may be better for creating a new habit, but just keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way.

2. Make a gratitude collage with pictures from magazines. Collect words and images that make you feel good and those images you want to surround yourself with as a reminder of all the things for which you give thanks.

3. Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your nighttime routine.

4. Find fun in discovering the hidden blessing in a challenging situation. You can do this for yourself as well as with your clients. It's so easy to get stuck thinking about what's wrong with a situation and by seeing the blessing helps to move us forward faster.

5. When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.

6. Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. Write about it, sing about it, express thanks for gratitude.

As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you'll find that gratitude thoughts easily pop up without you even having to try. It becomes a natural part of your day and a natural part of who you are and when you deeply feel this, you attract more of it in all areas of your life, including your business.
Author’s content used under license, © 2011 Claire Communications

Known for her creativity, gentle disposition, enthusiasm, and passion, Lisa Hromada is a leading Personal Branding Strategist and Authentic Marketing Coach who specializes in empowering women entrepreneurs to find the clarity and focus they need to create a thriving brand while still having the time and energy to enjoy their other priorities. Find Lisa's FREE gifts and more at: http://www.lisahromada.com/bizsuccess