Do you know there’s power in thankfulness? When you thank someone, you extend more than mere words. You extend a lifeline at times.
While I love writing leadership blogs for you and others to read, writing them can be a challenge. There’s a widening chasm when it comes to hearing feedback from readers. I feel like I’m in a void.
Talking to other bloggers, they feel the same way. The two-way communication between blogger and reader has declined to almost nothing.
However, two readers recently encouraged me on the same day. They reached out about a recent article, shared their thoughts, and thanked me for my writing.
I about jumped for joy. People are still reading what I write (I know they do because of Google Analytics but it can be lonely out here)!
Their thanks carried me on for another day, week, month. There’s power in thanking others.
The Power Of Thankfulness
Whether it’s in the creative world or the leadership world, thankfulness goes a long way. You know this. You know the excited, gleeful feeling you get when someone is genuinely thankful for the work you’ve done.
Yet, many of us are stingy with our thanks. We think we’re bothering others if we interrupt their day to say thank you. Or maybe you forget because of everything else going on in your life.
Today, stop and give thanks to those you’re thankful for. Below, you’ll find a few great reasons to give thanks.
1. The Bible tells us to be thankful:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” That’s a powerful command for Christian leaders. It is the will of God for us to be thankful. What’s holding you back from thanking your employee, teammate, or spouse? Give thanks!
2. Thankfulness is good for your mental health:
A review of 70 studies shows that thankfulness (gratitude) can stave off depression. Among 26,000 people, those with higher levels of gratitude had lower levels of depression.
The research is impressive when you think about it.
Being thankful can increase your well-being. Get rid of the curmudgeon attitude and extend your gratitude to others. If someone does something kind, take a moment to say thank you. Let others know you saw what they did and that you appreciated it.
Your mental health may depend on it!
3. Thankfulness increases productivity:
Can you believe it? It sounds far-fetched. Maybe even science-fictiony. It’s not.
When you express thankfulness towards others, productivity increases.
Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania researchers discovered a link between thankfulness and increased workplace productivity. They saw grateful leaders yield more productive employees. The productivity gain? Upwards of 50%! Employees also felt more valued, had a higher sense of job satisfaction, and felt more motivated.
Be Thankful (And Show It!)
We have to do a better job of being thankful. More than that, we have to do a better job of showing our thankfulness.
We can be as thankful as we like. However, if we don’t express our gratitude to those around us, it only benefits us.
Our thankfulness can be a fountain of life to those we interact with on a regular basis. Say thanks, good job, you’re amazing to those around you.
The results you get will stun you!
