November is a month of gratitude where we collectively think about our blessings even though it’s a good habit to remember them all year long. When you count blessings it’s easier to name the positive ones however being thankful for your problems can have an added benefit as well.
Research backs up the notion that being aware of gratitude in the midst of turmoil helps give you a different perspective. We all know the marketplace is in constant motion creating and eliminating job opportunities at the same time, albeit confusing yet both scenarios bring different types of blessings to your career.
A couple of months ago I had a good conversation with a friend who I haven’t seen in years and he was telling me about his career transition. He was a star performer who from the ground up helped grow the company and every time we talked in the past he always seemed to enjoy his job. He was telling me about his new career path and a thought occurred to me that he must have had a fantastic offer to leave and go to a new company.
Truth is, he was let go from his employer and that was somewhat shocking to hear because of his demeanor and value he brought. We discussed all of his accomplishments and good works over the years, and yet he had a wonderful attitude about a situation that was not of his choosing.
What struck me the most was his attitude about starting a job search, over the last few months he has been networking while getting in shape to run a lifelong goal of his – a marathon. While others might be panicked at the idea of not working he on the other hand was taking time to do some things that brought him joy. He told me he was grateful to have worked with his employer for 20+ years and named the skills and those he enjoyed working with throughout his career.
It was an inspiring conversation one that seemed to be based on freedom from worry and gravitation towards joy. His story was a great example of what gratitude does to a person it frees them up to think of all the possibilities while at the same time counting blessings even in the middle of an unexpected career transition.
When he does find the right opportunity he will no doubt land a good job offer because people who are thankful are happy and tend to attract like-minded people. Studies show there are numerous benefits that come from being grateful such as; increased energy, less physical maladies, optimistic toward the future, form relationships easier and are less envious.
Developing a grateful mindset is an equal opportunity habit that will help you work through some challenging situations in life such as an unexpected career transition as well as increase your overall happiness.
Here are some ways to help you build a thankful attitude:
• Keep a gratitude journal. Make it simple by jotting down 3-5 things you appreciate and hope to see continue.
• Be specific about what you are grateful for in your journal, name it and a brief note about how those good things came about.
• Choose someone whom you should thank or someone who has been helpful to you and write them a letter, a gratitude visit. Tell the person how they have been helpful to you.
• Acknowledging things you are grateful for changes your brain chemistry in a positive way.
• You function best when you are in a good mood and when you are grateful and appreciative you create “likeability”.
While every day might not be a national Holiday dedicated to giving thanks, it can be a good reminder that showing gratitude is a powerful way to cultivate a positive attitude. The next time you encounter a difficult climb or obstacle, consider that it might be your chance to grow.
What helps remind you to be thankful?
