Guest post by Liz Schneider, Dollar Bank
December. Although the beautiful colored leaves have blown away and colder temperatures & snow are blowing in, December has its own charm as it is the month of Gratitude! It’s almost the end of the year- a time to reflect….
For the last few weeks, we have been discussing the importance of going out of your comfort zone and doing the things that scare you. This is a great way to grow as a business and as a professional as you experiment with new systems, invest in yourself, and take on leadership opportunities. But as fast-paced business people, I have found that there is something many of us are scared to do that we need to address: slowing down and practicing gratitude.
I am sure that we all know that this year was one for the books. In addition to all the craziness that 2020 threw our way, we also experienced a record-setting year in the mortgage industry. Between balancing a global pandemic, adjusting to working from home, and navigating an election year, we have also all had to increase our workload in order to meet the demands of our industry. With so much on our plates, it can seem impossible to find moments of time to step away from our desk to slow down and practice gratitude.
- Practicing gratitude helps prevent burnout. During a crazy year like this one, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the workload and lose the passion you once had for the job. By taking time to think about all that you are grateful for, it will help you identify the positives of this busy season and increase your job satisfaction.
- Practicing gratitude improves perspective and reduces stress. That’s right, you read that correctly! By taking time to think about or write down what you are grateful for, you mentally remind yourself of how far you have come and that you have overcome many challenges in the past. This will help reassure you that you can handle the challenges that are on your plate and will ultimately reduce your stress.
- Practicing gratitude has been proven to make you an all-around happier and more pleasant person! Not only will practicing gratitude remind you of everything that you have been blessed with, but it will increase your popularity as well! Studies have shown that people who express gratitude to their team, employer, and service providers are regarded with more respect and appreciation than those who do not!
So even though it may be stressful to try and find time in your busy schedule to practice gratitude, you will see the benefits of doing so in your business and your personal life!
Day One: Send out 5 personalized note cards to clients or referral sources to thank them for their business/referral!
Day Two: Do something to make a positive difference in someone’s day! Feel free to get creative!
Day Three: Start a gratitude journal and write 25 things you are grateful for!
Day Four: Perform a random act of kindness for a stranger!
Day Five: Do something unexpected and surprise someone. Go out of your way to make their day!
Here’s to a grateful and fulfilling month!