“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest
yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.”
~ Randy Pausch

What this quote means to entrepreneurs:
Since here in the U.S. we are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, I thought this was a very appropriate quote to interpret. Gratitude and thankfulness are very powerful:

• They can help activate the Law of Attraction. When you are grateful for what you are about to receive, you will more than likely receive it more quickly and effectively.
• They can improve your health. Research shows that grateful people take better care of themselves, are more likely to exercise regularly and eat more healthfully, and are more likely to go to the doctor regularly for checkups. Also, since grateful people tend to be more optimistic, they may also have healthier immune systems. And if that wasn’t enough, gratitude can increase sleep quality.
• They can help reduce stress. According to University of California Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons, “Gratitude research is beginning to suggest that feelings of thankfulness have tremendous positive value in helping people cope with daily problems, especially stress.”
• They can improve our relationships. Two studies with 243 total participants found that those who were 10% more grateful than average had 17.5% more social capital. Gratitude can help you with networking, as well.
• They can improve our mood. When you are more grateful, you are more likely to have happier memories, which has a big impact on how you perceive your life and your world.

Gratitude is also linked to these favorable traits:

• Increased optimism
• Reduced materialism
• Increased spiritualism
• Reduced self-centeredness
• Increased self-esteem
• Reduced envy and jealousy
• Increased friendliness
• Increased resilience

When you cultivate an attitude of gratitude, you become a better person, which is not only good for you and your business, but it is also a gift for others. Grateful people are just plain more pleasant to be around. So, although we’ve set aside one day of the year to recognize that for which we are thankful, I recommend you spend time in thankfulness on a daily basis.

Now It’s Your Turn:
Do you agree with my interpretation of today’s quote? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on gratitude and thankfulness? Based on what you just read, do you have any plans for improving your attitude of gratitude? Please share your thoughts, experiences, and sage wisdom in a comment below.