Ok, get your thoughts out of the bedroom. I'm talking about the big "G," Gratitude. Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions we can access.
We've all heard about the "Power of Positive Thinking." In fact, that was the title of the first self-help book I ever read. But what does that mean?
What does it mean to have a positive attitude? What does it mean to be motivated, and how do we stay positive and motivated?
"People often say motivation doesn't last. Neither does bathing—that's why we recommend it daily." Zig Ziglar
Yes, if you want the best results in life, you need a positive, motivated attitude every day.
How do you do that? Some people seem to be naturally positive and upbeat, and others seem to focus on the negative far more often. Positive thinkers have better results, but it's not just how you think. It's the way you "ACT" that is important. Positive thoughts are far more likely to lead to positive actions. Negative thoughts tend to shut down creativity and problem-solving skills.
If you tend to be a more negative thinker, all is not lost. You can change the way you see the world and harness the power of positive thinking and positive actions.
The most powerful way to access positive thinking and activities is to practice Gratitude daily. If you are not sure how to think positive and stay motivated, try this. Tonight when you lay down to sleep, close your eyes and think of three things you are grateful for. If you have trouble thinking of three, then just start with one. It doesn't have to be life-changing or significant.
We should be grateful for the little things in life. There is so much to be thankful for. No matter how bad your life may seem at the moment, there is always something to be grateful for, and when you practice Gratitude, you will find that you have much to be grateful for, and the more grateful you are, the more you will have to be grateful for.
How about be grateful that you were born in the United States or that you are relatively healthy. Do you have your eyesight? What's that worth? Would you sell your vision for a million dollars? Not me. Fall asleep thinking about all that you are grateful for, and then when you wake up in the morning, do it again. Before you get out of bed, or look at your phone or start worrying about something, take a moment and think of what you are grateful for. Now, if you want to turbocharge this strategy, try this. Think of just one thing you are grateful for and then close your eyes and picture what it is. Maybe you are grateful for your spouse, picture them in your mind and then turn up the details, make them brighter and more colorful, list the reasons why you are grateful, and take a minute to focus on each item and celebrate it!
A grateful attitude and this practice will start to focus your thoughts and energy on the possibilities. Negativity leads to inaction. Gratitude and positivity train your brain to think of solutions instead of focusing on the problem. It costs you nothing and can dramatically change your life for the better. Get started right now. You don't have to wait till bedtime. Find a place right now and close your eyes, and try it. Find just one thing to be grateful for and focus on it. You'll feel the difference.
Here is one of my favorite authors and quotes when it comes to a positive, motivated attitude.
The more you are grateful for what you have, the more you will have to be grateful for. – Zig Ziglar
Find your favorite quote about gratitude and post it in the comments!
