Practice Thanksgiving

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, many are counting their blessings.

However, why limit thanksgiving to a holiday?

Making gratitude a daily discipline is a powerful way to change your thinking and cultivate a positive outlook on life.

The research backs this up: grateful people experience less anxiety, less resentment, and more resilience when facing setbacks. According to Robert Emmons, “Gratitude blocks toxic emotions, such as envy, resentment, regret, and depression… because gratitude cannot be felt simultaneously with these other negative emotions.”

What is more, practicing gratitude cultivates humility, an essential ingredient for leadership influence. When we practice gratitude, it naturally shifts our focus from ourselves and what is missing in our life to others and what is present.

Contrary to what many people believe, it takes courage and confidence to be humble. Some of the most confident leaders I have met are also the humblest. Humble leaders are servant minded leaders. Additionally, because humble leaders see themselves as a “work in progress,” they do not feel the need defend or make excuses for their shortcomings. As a result, they are more willing to be transparent about their shortcomings and personal growth journey. When a leader is transparent and makes themselves vulnerable, they invite others to know them, an important step to build trust.

Don’t just celebrate gratitude—practice it!