Finding joy is the overarching theme at my daughter’s school.
It is perfect as children are good at finding joy in the simplest of things. It is also a reminder to find joy throughout the day. Yet, in the busyness of our professional lives, practicing gratitude often takes a backseat. As enter the Thanksgiving season, what if we took the time to find joy in the most miniscule of things each day?
Practicing gratefulness is particularly important for business leaders in challenging times. Research shows that an attitude of gratitude can mean fewer sick days and higher job satisfaction rates. It is easy to appreciate that both of those things help the bottom line.
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
~Vincent Van Gogh
Start by finding the positives.
Was that presentation you’ve worked on for a month canceled at the last minute? Great! Now you have time to connect with a coworker or to make the call you have been putting off. Was a meeting called unexpectedly? No problem. Now you can grab that extra cup of coffee while you listen to a presentation.
Uplift yourself. Each day give thanks for one very small thing or accomplishment. Start daily and increase from there, consistently giving thanks for things that may seem miniscule.
Show simple appreciation. We all like to know our time is valued. Give thanks to your team for simple things. This can include changing the copy paper or hopping on a call at the last-minute. Pay attention. Check in with your team often to let them know you care. Celebrate any and all successes, no matter how small. If they are out of sorts one day, drop them a quick note to let them know you appreciate their work. Circle back often.
Soon, you’ll notice the culture of your business is more positive.
Why wait for Thanksgiving? What is one small thing you can find joy in today?
Every year at this time, I sit down to write a blog that adequately expresses the gratitude I have in my heart. And the truth of the matter is, I struggle to find words weighty enough.