The Power of Gratitude

04.22.21 | David DeCelle | 0 Scale post img

Summary: Working on your business all the time can stress you out and make you wonder, “Is this worth it?” When these thoughts cross your mind, it’s important to step back and tap into gratitude. That may sound like a counterintuitive move, but you would be amazed at how a simple gratitude practice can change your outlook on even the most difficult days. Take some time every day to appreciate what you have, and watch it return dividends in both business success and personal satisfaction.

Building anything is hard work. That is certainly true of building a financial advisory practice. And let’s be honest: In the early days, there aren’t many high points to speak of. It’s a grind. And it is easy to hit the wall and think to yourself, “Why am I doing this — and is it worth it?”

Oddly enough, that is perfect time for a gratitude practice. 

Stepping back, breathing, and taking time to notice the things and people you’re grateful for can help you find the energy to keep on pushing forward. Even better, you may find yourself with a whole new outlook. Getting into a habit of expressing your gratitude for a few minutes each day can pay dividends in both your personal and professional lives.

Let’s look at some benefits of being grateful — then explore how you can start a regular gratitude practice to keep things in perspective.

Gratitude improves relationships

“What relationships do I have that others don’t?”

Reflecting on and having gratitude for our relationships can strengthen all of them, from friendships to working relationships to romantic relationships and marriages. Stronger relationships with friends and family make life more enjoyable. Stronger relationships with clients and prospects can lead to more profits and growth.

Gratitude makes you more giving

“What freedoms, unique abilities, and options do I have that others don’t?”

Gratitude makes us feel thankful for what we have, which naturally might make us feel more generous with our time, money, and resources. This gracious attitude can help in business — because business is about giving as much as getting. When you aim to give outstanding value to your clients, prospects, and anyone else you interact with professionally, they tend to return the favor.

Gratitude helps you find meaning in your work

“What does this business enable me to do that others can’t?”

When you’re caught up in the moment at work, it can be hard to remember why you’re running this business in the first place. By practicing gratitude, you can gain perspective on your work. Take some time to reflect on the clients you’ve helped, the relationships you’ve formed, and the impact you’ve made on your community — all of which can be incredibly motivating.

Gratitude reduces stress

“What do I take for granted?”

Expressing gratitude lets us see the good in our lives. When we look at the things we have going for us, it’ll naturally make us feel less stressed. In fact, it’s biological. When we practice gratitude, our brains release the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, the two emotional neurotransmitters that make us feel “good.” Many people already do some form of daily writing to reduce stress, as it often feels cathartic to get your thoughts onto paper. You can combine the stress-busting benefits of both writing and gratitude by writing about what you’re grateful for.

2 Steps to put gratitude into action

As I discuss in my article on the importance of routines, it is essential to carve out some personal time in the morning and at night. These times are a good opportunity to do daily gratitude exercises.

Personally, I enjoy journaling as my gratitude exercise. I use a product called The Five Minute Journal because it offers several sections that help you guide your gratitude practice. Plus, there are inspiring quotes on each page. And, my personal favorite feature: the pages of the journal don’t have pre-printed dates. So, even if your practice falls off the wagon for a day (or ten), you can always pick it up exactly where you left it. 

In the morning, I write down:

  • Three things I’m grateful for
  • Two things that would make today a great day
  • A minimum of two daily affirmations

My favorite affirmations are “I am healthy in mind, body, and spirit” and “I am experiencing unlimited wealth.”

After that’s done, I place my Five Minute Journal on top of the phone charger next to my bed. This helps me remember to do my evening gratitude practice, since I must physically move the journal to plug in my phone. You might place your journal on your pillow if you don’t charge your phone near you at night. 

In the evening, I write down:

  • Three amazing things that happened today
  • Two ways I could’ve done to make today even better

After my evening gratitude practice, I place the Five Minute Journal in front of my door. That way, I must physically move the book in the morning, forcing me to remember my gratitude practice.

You can try this method — or put your journal in any other place that you’ll see first thing in the morning. As long as it helps you remember to start and end your day with gratitude, the specifics don’t matter as much.

Grow through what you go through with gratitude

Whether you’re going through good times or bad, there are lessons to be learned and leveraged for growth. By taking time to reflect on what you’re grateful for, you can grow as a person and a professional while gaining some perspective on your blessings. In terms of your business, it’ll help you get back in touch with why you started it in the first place.

Would you like some help incorporating the power of gratitude into your work and personal life so you can experience these benefits? Schedule a call with me today: https://www.modelfa.com/accelerator-call-cf/

David DeCelle

David DeCelle has been helping financial advisors take their business to the next level for 9 years. A financial advisor since 2011, David is committed to providing cutting-edge training, development, and accountability to growth-oriented advisors. When he’s not helping advisors grow their businesses, you can catch him working on his own development through podcasts, audiobooks, and working out. David loves being of service to others whether it’s professionally, lending a helping hand, or simply being an ear to listen to those around him.