Putting The Thanks In Thanksgiving
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In our last blog, we talked about ‘taters and asked the question: “What kind of ‘tater are you?”
Today we’ll put the “thanks” in Thanksgiving.
Be thankful for the benefits
Robert Emmons, a Psychology professor at the University of California Davis, did a study to determine if there are benefits in being grateful.
He divided the study’s participants into three groups:
- Group 1 recorded that day’s most significant events
- Group 2 recorded minor complaints and hassles of the day
- Group 3 recorded things they were thankful for that day.
After ten weeks, Emmons found that Group 3 had more energy, viewed life more positively, and had fewer physical ailments when compared to the other two groups.
Sounds like we should all be thankful for this study, doesn’t it? Emmons didn’t stop there. He wanted to know if there were any long-term differences. Here’s what he found:
Group 3 members were more likely to achieve their goals.
So if you’re grateful, you’ll be healthier and you’ll reach more of your goals!
Make giving thanks a habit
We all remember the old saying “Practice makes perfect.” So, if we practice complaining, we’ll get pretty good at it. So how do you stop complaining?
Be grateful for what you have; quit complaining about what you don’t. It’s really a matter of attention. We tend to give attention to bad things. Many people shine stadium lights on their problems, and flashlights on their blessings.
You should do the opposite – be thankful everyday for all that happens to you. We recently wrote an article about 12 John Bramblitt]. Here is a young man that lost his sight, but didn’t let it conquer him. He became a painter. In his adversity, he found his gift.
The most precious thing in the world
Just like John Bramblitt, your life is a gift. You and only you are the single most unique thing in the world. There is only one of you. Your genes and all of your experiences have come together to make you who you are.
Don’t you have a lot for which to be thankful? Being thankful on Thanksgiving is great. We challenge you to make it a part of your life everyday. It pays big dividends!
Our quote today is from over 2000 years ago. It’s by Cicero, the great philosopher.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
Greatness begins with gratefulness. Make giving thanks a daily habit. We promise that you’ll thank yourself for it.
Until next time, here’s to your bigg success!
