What difference does it make if we see the glass as half empty instead of half full? A lot! The most powerful leadership strength you have is your mindset. Here are 5 questions to transform your results by focusing on the strength of gratitude.
When we think of strengths we usually think of abilities and skills. The more I help people to make significant shifts in their lives, the more I see the importance of mindset. Your perspective (mindset) determines not only what you see but how you use your abilities and skills.
“We see things not as they are, but as we are,” wrote H. M. Tomlinson.
We interpret ‘reality’ as what we see and act accordingly. If we change our perspective, we would see ‘reality’ differently, and open up new options for thinking and acting.
Since our mindset is so important, I find gratitude to be one of the more powerful strengths for leaders.
Gratitude is a mental shift that has far-reaching results. Here are a few:
- Gratitude makes us attractive to be around.
- Gratitude recognizes the best in people, without being blind to their challenges.
- Gratitude affirms other people, something everyone longs to hear.
- Gratitude suppresses the cry for “more,” and all it’s accompanying vices.
- Gratitude empowers us to find inner solutions and move forward, instead of blaming others.
5 Questions to Focus On The Strength Of Gratitude
These five questions can transform the culture of your work team, family, marriage, and your own mindset. Use them to exercise the strength of gratitude.
1. Who made a difference in your life this year?
Our encounters with people are sources of joy and despondence. It’s easy to identify the people who make our lives difficult, but do you notice those who make a positive difference?
2. What meaningful thing did a person say or do this past year?
The word “meaningful” often prompts something deeper than just an encouraging word or act. The term focuses on what we consider important and reveals our values.
3. What difficult experience are you grateful for?
Many times it’s difficult experiences that produce our most significant blessings. Most of my best learning began as experiences that were painful at the time.
4. What are 3 ways you are grateful for individuals in this room?
Acknowledging the people close to us for the ways they have touched out lives gives back to them and multiplies the impact. You encourage them to continue acting in these ways.
5. What actions could you take to show your gratitude?
While words of affirmation are usually welcomed, some people feel more appreciated through acts of service, gifts, or quality time together. Create an action step to show your gratitude. Sharing it with others encourages them to do the same.
If you want to change your results – in your work team, family, or your own life – change your mindset. Build the strength of gratitude to produce a powerful shift in your perspective. You will see the world differently.
Gratitude is contagious. Other people will shift their mindset as well. Think of the new opportunities that would open up for you and those around you.
Question: What difference could more gratitude make in your life? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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