If you’ve ever been poor, ever had less when you wanted more, or ever even known that things could be better even when they were great, then you have a responsibility to be thankful.
When an opportunity comes about, even if it doesn’t come to fruition, be thankful.
When a client sticks around, be thankful.
And when an audience carves out time for you to talk to them, be thankful.
Thank you is something every presenter says at the end of a speech. It’s reflex, like shaking someone’s hand when they walk up to greet you. And no, that’s not what I’m talking about.
True gratitude–real, sincere, bottom of the heart gratitude–is evident the moment you take the stage. True gratitude isn’t haughty, prideful, or entitled. It’s a perspective of service; it’s an implied promise to try and improve another person’s life.
What I’m saying is this: gratitude starts way, way, way in the beginning of your relationship with a client, prospect, or audience. It’s an original attitude, not a reaction to circumstances. You wake up being grateful, or you wake up with your hands outstretched to others, looking to get yours any way you can. There are plenty of people who do well for a time living life at other people’s wells. But few individuals leave a legacy of prosperity and goodwill that way. It’s helping other people get what they want that makes you both wealthy and loved. Being thankful for everything you have is what inspires the courage to look outward.
Our nation is at a turning point economically. For a long time, the most financially successful among us found newer and newer ways of “getting theirs” out of life. We parsed and we parsed until everyone looked around and realized that we’d sure been making castles, but they were made of sand.
In 2011, I hope folks will start helping each other out. Money’s great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s fleeting, too. Those of us who learn to approach business and life with gratitude–and a willingness to help others–are going to build our castles on a firm foundation. Those who keep on with the old ways are going to get the old results.
Cultivate an attitude and culture of thankfulness this year. Everyone around you will notice right away–and they’ll be thankful, too.
