Episode #188- Top 5 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude-REBOOT #150

Episode Notes: 

Looking for an easy way to increase your happiness by 10-20% or maybe just reduce your stress and anxiety? 

Maybe you’ve been struggling to see the positives in your everyday life... we've got just the thing for you… it’s called gratitude!

Ever wondered what the benefits are of making gratitude a part of your daily routine? 

In this week’s episode, we're resharing a message from last holiday season, that highlights the transformative power of practicing gratitude. We explore how focusing on the positives, no matter how small, can lead to happier and more fulfilling lives. It's not just about feeling good in your personal life; we also dive into how gratitude can impact your business world - from improved decision-making to increased job satisfaction, a stronger culture and better relationships.

As we approach the holidays, we often reserve gratitude for the Thanksgiving table, but this episode makes a compelling case for why it should be a year-round practice. join our journey of finding gratitude and positivity. Join us as I share my Top 5 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude and how to make expressing gratitude a habit and harness the significant difference it can make in your life and the lives of those around you. 

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Chapters

• 0:00 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
• 3:01 The Power of Practicing Gratitude
• 7:39 The Power of Gratitude Practice
• 18:10 Thanksgiving Gratitude Message

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

As we all start to wind down our latest trip around the sun and head towards the holiday season. Even though for many it can be a very stressful time of year, we still tend to look forward to the festivities ahead, maybe a few extra days off work, spending some time with the family and a much-needed break. The other thing we tend to do is we think about the coming year, what we want to accomplish, changes we feel we need to make, what we're going to do differently in the future, because we certainly aren't where we thought we'd be at this point. And then we practice that soul-crunching exercise of comparison right? Well, here's a little game-changing tip Comparing yourself to others is always and I mean always a lose-lose situation and should be avoided at all costs lose-lose situation and should be avoided at all costs.

Speaker 2: 0:55

Welcome to the MindWrench Podcast with your host, rick Sellover, where minor adjustments produce major improvements in mindset, personal growth and success. This is the place to be every Monday, where we make small improvements and take positive actions in our business and personal lives that will make a major impact in our success, next-level growth and quality of life.

Speaker 1: 1:18

Hey, what's up everybody. Welcome to the MindWrench Podcast. I'm your host, rick Silover. Thanks so much for stopping in. If you're a returning listener and haven't done so already, please take a minute and click the follow or subscribe button, and then rate and review the show. When you rate and review the show, the algorithms for Apple, spotify, google Podcasts, iheartradio, amazon Music and all the other platforms will see that it's valuable and show it to more people that have never seen it before, and hopefully it can help them too. I would really, really really appreciate your help, sharing this word with your friends and family as well, and if you're a brand new listener, welcome. I hope you find something of value here that helps you in your personal or professional life as well. Please make sure to click the subscribe or follow button so you never miss another episode.

Speaker 1: 2:05

Well, once again, here we are, at that time of year when we start hearing and using words more often like thankful or gratitude or donations, right as we sit down with family and friends at the dinner table for a Thanksgiving feast and share some of the things we're grateful for this year maybe a few of the good things that happened or a few things that went our way. But when you actually think about it, it's really kind of sad that we only do this once a year, isn't it? I mean, we have things to be grateful or thankful for on a daily basis, but most of us don't talk about it, celebrate it or even consider it until mid-November. This week I wanted to reshare a message from last holiday season that details the massive and undeniable benefits of practicing gratitude, not only at this time of year, but on a daily basis throughout the year. So let's go back to Thanksgiving last year, episode 150, top five benefits of practicing gratitude.

Speaker 1: 3:01

As we all start to wind down our latest trip around the sun and head towards the holiday season, even though for many it can be a very stressful time of year, we still tend to look forward to the festivities ahead, maybe a few extra days off work, spending some time with the family and a much-needed break. One of the two things we tend to do is reflect back on the year and assess how it went. Was it a great year? I mean, was income up, you know, family good, everybody's in good health, maybe had some great moments or hit some milestone, or maybe it was just an okay year, nothing really notable, same old, same old, you know? Or was it more like thank God, this year's over, what a train wreck, good riddance.

Speaker 1: 3:42

The perception of how your year was is more based on your current mindset than the actual reality of the performance of the past year, but I'll circle back to that point in a bit. The other thing we tend to do is we think about the coming year, what we want to accomplish, changes we feel we need to make, what we're going to do differently in the future, because we certainly aren't where we thought we'd be at this point. And then we practice that soul-crunching exercise of comparison. Right, all of our neighbors got new cars this year and we didn't. Bob at work got a big promotion, but I got passed over again this year. How's that fair? So-and-so's kid just graduated college with a master's and my kid dropped out of community college, and the list goes on and on, right? Well, here's a little game-changing tip Comparing yourself to others is always and I mean always a lose-lose situation and should be avoided at all costs.

Speaker 1: 4:34

Yes, you may be doing a little bit better than one of your neighbors, but if you cast a wider net, you'll probably find plenty of people that appear to have it all dialed in, even though they don't. It will ultimately leave you feeling less than Best. Advice is only compare you to the version of you that you were yesterday, because that's all that really matters. But the one thing we don't do, and the thing I want to talk about today, is we rarely take the time to stop and practice a little gratitude for what we do have, what we have accomplished, what blessings we have experienced, the things that truly matter in our lives. Nope, we only seem to focus on what we lack, what we missed out, on, what others have that we don't, instead of really focusing on the most important things. Now, if I asked you to write a list of all the things that you missed out on, negatively affected you hurt, you, pissed you off, all the things 2023 screwed you over on, I bet you could write one hell of a long list, right? Well, it's very easy to see and feel all the wrongs and the losses in life. Our brains are just kind of wired to focus on the negative things that hurt us Without purposely changing our thinking. It just comes naturally. But you do not have to continue to think and live this way. One simple change that everyone can do is practicing gratitude.

Speaker 1: 5:50

Scientists have proven over and over that practicing gratitude can improve your life in many ways. Want to be 10 to 20% happier? Practice gratitude daily. Research has shown that consistently practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact, studies have found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms. These effects disappear within three to six months, which reminds us to practice gratitude over and over daily. You probably didn't know this, but it is a fact that it's physically impossible to be angry or negative while you're practicing gratitude. Pretty cool, huh.

Speaker 1: 6:33

So what's the true meaning of gratitude anyways? Now, although I can find multiple definitions of gratitude, this is the simplest version I found. Gratitude is when you feel thankful for the good things in your life. This could be stuff people often take for granted, like having a place to live, having food, clean water, friends and family. Gratitude is taking a moment to reflect on how lucky you are when something good happens, whether it's big or small. Or, as Zig Ziglar quotes, gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for Now. Here's just a quick handful of the benefits of practicing gratitude, like improved physical health, improved psychological health, it enhances empathy and reduces aggression, it improves sleep, it improves self-esteem, it opens the door to more positive relationships and it releases us from toxic emotions. So today I want to share with you the top five benefits of practicing gratitude.

Speaker 1: 7:39

Have you ever looked in the mirror and said to yourself how come I'm not further along than this? Or why can't I ever seem to get ahead? Are you frustrated with life, unsure of your future, wanting to make a change in your current situation, but too scared to make that next move? Maybe you want to reach that next level in life or in your business, but not sure what the right move is. Or maybe you feel the best thing to do is nothing at all. Many of you may not know but, along with hosting my own weekly podcast, I'm a personal development mindset, business and life coach where I focus on helping people with self-development mindset and how to make positive changes in their lives. And trust me, with all the negativity we've had to deal with these past two years, I think we all need some positivity, a positive change and a fresh approach to our life or our business. Sometimes talking to the right person can make all the difference. If you really want to start making those changes in your life, take action right now. Reach out and email, text, call or direct message me as soon as possible. Do it right now. I'll set you up with a free consultation call and pre-qualify you for either the one-on-one or business coaching that you really need to get your life or your business on the right track to success. Appointments are available right now.

Speaker 1: 8:50

1. Improved Mental Health. Gratitude has been linked to enhanced mental health. Regularly expressing thanks for positive aspects of your life can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It fosters a positive mindset, helping you focus on what's going well rather than dwelling on negativity. Number two enhanced emotional well-being.

Speaker 1: 9:12

Gratitude is associated with increased feelings of happiness and life satisfaction. When you consciously acknowledge and appreciate the good things in your life, it can create a sense of fulfillment and contentment. A positive emotional state can contribute to overall well-being. Number three stress reduction. Practicing gratitude has been shown to lower stress levels. By focusing on what you're thankful for, you shift your attention away from the stressors and the challenges of life. This shift in perspective can help you manage stress more effectively and build resilience in the face of difficulties. Number four better relationships. Everybody wants those right. Well, expressing gratitude can strengthen social bonds and improve relationships. When you acknowledge and appreciate the positive actions of other people, it fosters a sense of connection and mutual understanding. Gratitude can even enhance communication and contribute to the building of positive, supportive relationships.

Speaker 1: 10:09

5. Physical Health Benefits and there's a lot of these. Gratitude has been linked to many physical health benefits. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude may experience improved sleep, lowered blood pressure and a strengthened immune system. The positive impact on mental well-being can also indirectly influence physical health. Incorporating a daily gratitude practice, such as maybe keeping a gratitude journal or simply just reflecting on what you're thankful for, can be a simple yet powerful way to reap the benefits and promote a more positive and fulfilling life.

Speaker 1: 10:45

For the average American business owner, incorporating a daily gratitude practice can offer several tangible benefits. Firstly, by cultivating a positive mindset through gratitude, business owners can find themselves better equipped to handle the challenges and uncertainties and problems that come with entrepreneurship. Improved mental health can contribute to better decision-making and more resilient approach to business setbacks. Secondly, the positive emotional well-being associated with gratitude can translate into increased job satisfaction and overall happiness. This positivity can also have a ripple effect within your workplace, fostering a more collaborative and supportive company culture. Furthermore, stress reduction is critical in this fast-paced world of business. Gratitude practices can help business owners manage stress more effectively, potentially enhancing their ability to navigate high-pressure situations and make great business decisions. Building and maintaining strong relationships are vital in business. Expressing gratitude towards employees, partners, vendors and clients can strengthen these connections, leading to increased loyalty, improved teamwork and enhanced client satisfaction.

Speaker 1: 11:58

Now here's a few things that most people don't realize, but can really put things into perspective for you. So if you look at your life from a perspective of your finances, keep this in mind If you have just $4,200 to your name, you're richer than 50% of the world's residents. Shocking, isn't it? If you have a net worth of $138,000, you are in the top 10% of global wealth, and if you have a net worth of $1.1 million just $1.1 million you are in the top 1% of global wealth. Pretty incredible when you really think about it.

Speaker 1: 12:43

Like I mentioned earlier, your current mindset has a great influence on your perception of how you believe your year was. Having a negative or fixed mindset will only see the shortcomings or lack in your year, but a positive or growth mindset, sees the progress you made, the wins you had, and allows you to look at the big picture when you sit from a global view and appreciate or be thankful for what you do have. So what are some things to be grateful for? Well, here's a couple ideas your family, if you have any at all. Your health, even if it's just partial health. A job, home or shelter. Food, did you know? Speaking of food, did you know, that the average American throws away about two pounds of food every day? That's, every single American throws away about two pounds of food. That two pounds of food would feed a whole family in some of the poorest countries. For a day.

Speaker 1: 13:39

Let that one sink in. I think I read as a global food industry, we throw away or waste 40% of all the food produced in the world. Isn't that incredible? 40% that's damn near half the food that we manage to produce, ends up in the garbage. Crazy Warm clothes how about anybody that cares for you? If you have anybody in your life that cares for you, that's something to be thankful for. Freedom this may only apply to countries like the US, but the ability to choose your own thoughts, the power to change your life for the better at any given moment, maybe having all your senses, like the smell you know smell of something good, or being able to enjoy the sound of great music or the sight of nature's beauty, like a sunrise or sunset.

Speaker 1: 14:31

Listen, sometimes it's really tough to try to look through a positive lens. I get it. You may have situations that seem unfair and think that life has screwed you over again, but many of us, like you, have had the same or worse. And how you look at it, which means your perspective or the set of lenses you look through, and how you respond, makes all the difference in the world. You can begin to practice gratitude by thinking of what you're thankful for, like family and friends or your home or a beautiful sunny day, rather than being consumed by what's going wrong. Writing these things down and saying them out loud can even help you stay positive during difficult times.

Speaker 1: 15:07

Another important aspect of practicing gratitude is celebrating small victories. We often get caught up in celebrating large accomplishments, like starting a new job or getting married or buying a house or something like that. But while these things are certainly big and should be celebrated, it's equally important to celebrate the small moments of life. Sometimes, simply getting out of bed on a tough day can be a cause for celebration, right, but more often our daily lives are full of distractions and stress and we let our small achievements go unnoticed, even internally. Think about the past few days. What have you accomplished that went unnoticed? Did you make an awesome meal, or do something good for somebody, or started a new book or, you know, have a conversation with somebody you haven't talked to in a while? Take a moment now to celebrate that, to express gratitude. Perhaps you might write it down in a journal or just say it out loud.

Speaker 1: 15:58

When you're looking at the problems you have in life, there's always a nice alternative you can think about that makes you feel a little bit better about it, just by simply expressing a little gratitude. Like you've lost your job. You've lost some money, but you still have the ability to find another job or more fulfilling work. You may have lost some business, but you still have the ability and the knowledge to start a new business. There's a lot of internet-based options now available that never were there before. Maybe you lost some family or lost a friend Now, while that's difficult, I get it, but you still may have some remaining family members or some remaining friends that care about you. You might have lost some freedoms, but you still have the ability to adapt, to change, maybe to pivot and adjust to a different life. Maybe you have poor health, but you always have the ability to make some positive lifestyle changes.

Speaker 1: 16:50

Listen, I'm talking from personal experience here on this subject. I was absolutely one of those maybe just like you that always looked at life from a perspective of lack, what I missed out, on, what didn't go right, what others around me seemed to have that I didn't. I often felt unsatisfied, but I'm telling you, once I learned about the benefits of this practice of gratitude from someone else, I started implementing it into my own life and experienced a massive change in my satisfaction with my life, as well as the results I was seeing. I've been practicing gratitude almost daily for the past three years and have made it a commitment to continue this every single day. Now I can assure you you can do this as well.

Speaker 1: 17:29

It only takes a few minutes every morning, or any time during the day, really, but I prefer the morning. You can do this before you even get out of bed, while you're just laying there. You can do it in the shower while shaving or putting makeup on or getting dressed or driving to work, but doing it in the morning is best, because now you've set your whole day on a better course, right, write it down or, better yet, say it out loud to yourself, doesn't matter where or when. Just be consistent and do it every day. You absolutely have nothing to lose, except for maybe some anger, some frustration, maybe some bitterness or sadness, and it'll make an amazing positive difference in your life and the life of those around you, I promise.

Speaker 1: 18:10

Well, that's all I have for you today. I sincerely hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with those that mean the most to you. Take the time to express a little gratitude for what's good in your life, share it with your loved ones and take note of how that makes you feel. Thanks again for tuning in. I really appreciate your support and I hope you have a great week. I can always be reached at wwwrickselovercom, where you can find all my social media links podcast episodes, blog posts and much more. Outro Music.