It’s common at this time of year to look back and reflect on all that’s happened in the past 12 months, but few leadership exercises encompassing the “year in review” stop to reflect on what you’re truly grateful for and why. Did you know that reflecting on what you’re grateful for has been linked to less stress/depression and more happiness? And who wouldn’t want more happiness and less stress in 2018?

The Year in Review

As such, I’d like to challenge you to stop and reflect on all that you’ve accomplished (personal or professional) in 2017. List those below:

  1. ___________________________________________________________________________
  2. ___________________________________________________________________________
  3. ___________________________________________________________________________
  4. ___________________________________________________________________________
  5. ___________________________________________________________________________

 

Now, review that list and detail 3 things you are truly grateful for and why. These can be the accomplishments listed above or the situations or learnings derived from those accomplishments.

Things that happened in 2017 that I am grateful for:

I am grateful for this because:

1.
2.
3.

 

Leading by Example

Taking care of yourself is the first step in being able to effectively lead others. After all, when leading others and gaining respect, it’s important to demonstrate an air of confidence and calm so others feel more confident and calm as they learn, grow and take on new challenges. Studies have shown an attitude of gratitude improves heart health and quality of sleep because it reduces stress.

Creating an OC of Gratitude – It begins with YOU

Creating an OC of gratitude only happens if you value gratitude. In other words, your OC is a direct result of your personal values and philosophies multiplied by your actions – The OC Equation™. If you want to reap the benefits of gratitude, challenge yourself to do the following:

For 1 week, write down 3 things each day that went well and why. At the end of the first week, reflect on what you’ve experienced. Studies have shown that after just 1 week, people who do this are slightly happier than they were before. To really reap the rewards, make it part of your regular routine. After one month you can expect to be 5% happier and after 6 months 9% happier. When the value of gratitude becomes a habit, your actions will encourage others who naturally want to know your secret.

When stress is reduced and happiness is increased, confidence soars and you have a greater capacity to make better decisions which translates into better results.

Creating an OC of gratitude quite literally makes people happier and healthier. Here’s to a 2018 filled with gratitude!

 

business leadership development