What made you happy this week?

by Marianne Siegmann

Some days in the life of a successful entrepreneur certain things happen and as a result our confidence drops to a new low. We might complain, give up, find that hidden bar of chocolate (dark for me, please). Luckily there are other options too. Like focusing on what made you happy.

The practice of gratitude as a tool for happiness has been mainstream for years. 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 how do we keep a gratitude habit going? So many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking in our lives. And for gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives, it needs to become more than just a superficial ‘thank you’. We have to learn a new way of looking at things and create a new habit. And that can take some time.

That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When look at all we have, 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 and attention. Pain and injustice exist in this world, but when we focus on the gifts of life, we gain a feeling of well-being. Gratitude balances us and gives us hope.

There are many things to be grateful for: a beautiful day, a cup of tea, support from friends, chocolate, a roof over your head, a warm scarf, a friendly smile, the ability to read, spring flowers, our health, sea shells. What’s on your list?

How to keep track of what makes you happy:

♥ Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. Keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way. (Every Friday I look back on my week and post a list on my facebook page).
♥ Make a gratitude collage by drawing or pasting pictures.
♥ Make it part of your nighttime routine (I reread them in the morning and start my day positive just by being reminded of the good things of the day before!)
♥ See if you can find the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.
♥ When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.

As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be surprised to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work.

Would you like to speed up the process and feel more confident, clear your overwhelm and be happier?
Why not work with a coach to help you find your focus and get your confidence back?
Contact me for an appointment, I’ll be happy to get you on your way!

Author’s content used with permission, © Claire Communications