The Gratitude Formula
The Gratitude Formula
The power of gratitude is undeniable.
In fact, the great Dr. Robert Evans, the world’s leading authority on the subject, has spent his entire career documenting the benefits. Here is just a smattering of what we can expect when we become grateful for the many the blessings in our lives:
- Generates a positive disposition
- Creates meaning and purpose
- Reduces anger, bitterness, self-centeredness, materialism, envy, greed, and grudges
- Decreases our tendency to compare ourselves to others
- Improves our physical health
- Replaces negative thoughts with positive ones
- Builds and binds relationships
- Maximizes our life satisfaction
And if these aren’t enough for you, consider this: Gratitude plays the single most important role in establishing functional, high-performing, long-lasting relationships, especially at the workplace. Said differently, when we demonstrate our gratitude to those around us, we forge relationships that last a lifetime.
Now here’s where it gets interesting.
With the richly documented benefits that accompany a grateful spirit, you’d think it would be a standard daily practice for all of us.
Think again.
Tragically, the workplace is the place where people are least likely to openly express their gratitude to one another. And what’s even worse is that the higher you move up the leadership chain, the less likely you are to express gratitude — to anyone.
Needless to say, this needs to change. Fortunately, there is a formula.
The How of WOW: Think, Thank, Thrill, and Fulfill
As Leaders of Light, we want to make sure that we are expressing our gratitude to all those around us.
Here’s how to get the job done:
Step 1) Think
Think of a living person who has made a major/positive difference in your life and to whom you’ve never properly expressed your thanks (or at least it’s been awhile).
Step 2) Thank
Now, write a thank you letter to this person guided by the following steps:
1. Begin by addressing the recipient directly with a warm salutation.
2. Mention the exact action, event, or quality you are grateful for, providing concrete examples.
3. Share how the recipient’s actions made you feel, the positive impact they’ve had on your life, and where you’d be today without them.
4. End your letter by reiterating your gratitude and expressing your appreciation once again.
Step 3) Thrill
Thrill the person by delivering your letter in-person and reading it to them verbatim.
Step 4) Fulfill
Because gratitude is contagious, there’s a good chance the person will respond in kind. Let them. It’s now time for you to fulfill their aspirations of being a great and grateful person. Sit back, relax, and graciously accept their thanks.
Gratitude is a Game-Changer
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Gratitude is one of the most powerful leadership tools that exists. In fact, it plays the single-most important role in establishing long-lasting, high-performing, functional relationships.
To be effective, we all need to master this skill. Make today the day that you are going to see light, be light, and spread light in ways that only you can.
