Developing Gratitude

At this time of year, people are particularly focused on being thankful. You may not realize that having a grateful attitude all year long leads to greater happiness and a higher sense of fulfillment. It also correlates to great success. Largely, the reason for this is that when you put out feelings of gratitude you’re more “attractive” to happy people and the success they can help you achieve. Although your physical attractiveness doesn’t really change, the energy people get from you does – and that makes all the difference.

Since being grateful is beneficial all year long, not just at Thanksgiving, you may want to cultivate gratefulness in your own life. Thankfully (pun intended), gratitude can be learned and adopted by anyone. Try these tips to develop more gratitude in your life.

Gratitude Jar

Maybe you’ve heard of a swear jar? Where the language offender has to put in money each time he or she lets inappropriate language slip? A gratitude jar is similar, only much cooler! Any container that can sit in a central location will do. Each day before bed, write down on a slip of paper one thing that happened that day for which you’re thankful. Get your family involved too! At the end of the year, it can be a lot of fun to sit together and review the slips to see what a blessed year you had.

Gratitude Journal

Maybe jars aren’t your thing. Instead, try a gratitude journal. Each day write down one thing you’re grateful for. You can do this at the start of the day or at the end – whichever one you’re most likely to remember to do regularly. Commit to once daily and watch how your life begins to change.

Gratitude Posts

In this day and age of social media, gratitude posts can be a fun way to record and share your gratitude with friends. Whether you do words, pictures, or some combination your connections will enjoy the positive messages. And who know? You might start a gratitude posting trend! Post at least once a day about something you’re grateful for, no matter how big or small it may seem.

Start the Day with Gratitude

If you’re someone who needs a cup or two of coffee before being fully functional, this one might not be for you. First thing when you wake up in the morning, before getting out of bed, review in your head all the things you have to be grateful for. It can be anything from waking up for another day to a fun trip you’ve got planned or anything in between. Tap into the feeling you get with that gratitude and set an intention to carry it with you throughout the day.

End the Day with Gratitude

If you’re someone that nods off as soon as your head hits this pillow, this one might not be for you. When you crawl into bed, as you’re readying yourself for sleep, review in your head all of the things you’re grateful for that day. These don’t have to be big things. Perhaps you’re grateful you didn’t get hurt when you slipped on the icy walk. Maybe a presentation went well. Whatever it is, review it as you’re falling asleep and notice how you feel when you wake up in the morning.

Challenge yourself to try at least one of these gratitude development methods for at least six weeks. At the end of that time, evaluate your frame of mind, your overall happiness and success. Bet you see a big difference!

Article written by, Sarah Woodard: www.sarahssoul.com