The Seven Powers of Gratitude
Choose the freedom of thankfulness over the headwind of ingratitude. “Un” ruins leaders. Ungrateful leaders become unkind, unhelpful, and unconnected.
Ungratefulness is a buffeting headwind.
The seven powers of gratitude:
#1. Gratitude energizes those who receive it and frees those who express it.
#2. Gratitude invites a painful past to expand vision and mission. But ungratefulness frowns at the future.
#3. Gratitude beats back fear and worry.
#4. Gratitude absorbs frustration.
#5. Gratitude deflates arrogance.
#6. Gratitude fuels creativity.
#7, Gratitude expands influence.
Gratitude:
- Soars; bitterness binds.
- Celebrates; ungratefulness complains.
- Connects; fear retreats.
- Invites; ungratefulness repels.
People run toward gratefulness and away from ingratitude.
Four gratitude practices:
Think of gratitude as a behavior not a feeling. Practice it; don’t wait to feel it.
- Before composing an email think of one thing you appreciate about the recipient.
- Before meetings write one thing you respect about each person around the table.
- Avoid the “but” after noticing something you appreciate. Give yourself permission to let gratitude stand on its own.
- Schedule brief gratitude walks three times a week.
What are the powers of gratitude? The dangers of ungratefulness?
How might leaders practice gratitude?
Thank you! This came at the right time for me! I started a new job and it is proving to be a challenging experience and I have been trying to build and create a better environment for the staff since I took over and was starting get down a bit.
I needed this reminder to reinvigorate myself!
Thanks Kelly. We might forget that leaders need a bit of inspiration from time to time. Best for the future.
Nice, Dan. And we are grateful to you for a long long series of useful tools and frameworks about leadership and personal development. Thanks, on behalf of a lot of us, for your efforts.
Thanks Dr. Scott. I appreciate your insights and inspiration!
When we understand “we are Servants” the habits develop into a lifestyle! Be humble an kind in treating others and rest is second nature! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Tim. I think you’re right. I find some behaviors become second nature. I’ll add that I also need some fresh energy from time to time. I let things slip.
I am so grateful for you and your daily meditation and reflection on life and leadership – and for your generosity is sharing it with the world.
Thanks Michele. It’s a pleasure to be of service. 🙂
Love the gratitude practices – thank you
Thanks Victoria!
“Avoid the but”… I became aware of myself doing this about four years ago. Every time I have changed this behavior, it has been powerful, especially with my children.
Thanks Patrick. It’s the little things that seem to make a big difference. Best wishes for continued growth
Thank you, Dan. Your articles are received with thankfulness. All the best to you.
Thanks Paul. Your comment is received with thankfulness. 🙂
Dan, I find I am very grateful to you for the reminder. : )
Nicely said, Donna.
It is indeed a practice, ‘way more than a feeling! Thank you your always succinct, thoughtful, and relevant posts! Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season, Dan! 😊
Gratitude brings about joy. It is not happiness that brings us gratitude. The world needs more gratitude. Thanks for reminder to practice it more frequently—ie:daily!!
Great stuff! I have decide at least once per year I will post about people for whom I am grateful. Here is the first attempt. https://wp.me/p6cr61-ks
Gratitude & disturbance cannot coexist..