How do you start your day?
Do you roll over and check social media? Do you take a shower and eat breakfast? Maybe you just do nothing. I try to pay attention to common habits and characteristics of successful leaders. One reoccurring habit of great leaders is time for gratitude.
Time for gratitude can look very different for each person. You can keep a gratitude journal and write down a few things each day you are grateful for. You can go for a gratitude walk and think about the best parts of your life. You can take time of prayer and reflection. Whatever fits you best.
Taking time in the morning to focus on what you are thankful for will change the trajectory of your day. When you start your day with gratitude, you aren’t starting your day with negativity. You feed yourself positive thoughts before you have the chance to get frustrated or annoyed.
You can’t be frustrated when you are grateful. Science shows that you can’t be annoyed when you are thinking about what you are thankful for because your mind can’t do both at the same time. If you are frustrated or feeling down, take time to think about parts of your life you are thankful for. It will make you feel better.
When you wake up in the morning, think about what makes your life great. Take time to appreciate the people and opportunities you have in your life. At your job, take time when you first get to the office to write down what you are thankful for. You will start your day off on a positive path.
Take time this week to be grateful. Consider adding gratitude into your daily schedule. You can change the way you think every day.
I appreciate you.
-JP