Everyday we have an opportunity to be thankful for something-often many things. Think of how much we take for granted until it is taken away from us.
As Dickens said in A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"
We know that all we have is now yet it usually takes something like a loss or an upset to make it soak in. With that in mind and with the current economic climate, we have the choice to look upon every day with fear and stand paralyzed or we can take the time to invest in ourselves-learn as much as we can and take advantage of every opportunity to give back and grow.
A friend and I were having breakfast recently and talked about all the ways we can thank people who have touched us, made a difference, helped us, and advised us-the list goes on.
Who are you going to thank? Here is a brief reminder:
| Tell them specifically what they mean to you or how they helped you. How did you grow and change based on a comment or piece of advice they gave you. |
| Be yourself and mix it up. You can thank someone with humor—perhaps a joke or something funny you shared; or/and it can be very heartfelt and poignant. Different people and different situations will dictate what you do. |
| Have an attitude of gratitude. As we all know, attitude is our choice. Some people look at a glass either half empty or half full—and we have met people who didn’t even have a glass! Find ways everyday-not just during the month of "Thanksgiving" to reach out and thank those friends, clients, colleagues and family members who have helped you. I recently reached out to a few people to let them each know how much they have had an influence on my life. Show appreciation as often as you can—the time is now. |
| Nurture every relationship you have worked hard to develop and grow.. Stay in touch—be on their radar and constantly find ways to surprise and delight them. I enjoy learning new things about people—their likes and interests. Recently I found out through conversation—a particular brand that one of my clients liked and as a way of thanks, I sent him a bottle of wine in that particular brand. Remembering the brand made the difference. |
| Kindness pays-as my wonderful Dad always said on earth and still looks down from heaven and says to me everyday. Find opportunities to commit random acts of kindness for others. Or as Mother Theresa said: "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless". Give folks a strength-centered compliment. Not only will they feel good—so will you. Make it sincere and specific. |
| This month specifically—start the day and end it with a smile; set a goal to reach out and seize the moment to thank, appreciate and connect with all those who have helped you grow and learn this year. |
I would like to thank all of you who continually help me grow with your comments, thoughts and ideas. Keep them coming and if you have a sales or relationship building story you would like to share that I can put into my new book, I would be both very thankful and grateful!
Have a great start to a wonderful holiday season! Remember one of my favorite quotes-- "Really look for the good in every person and situation. You will most always find it."
You can write to me at andrea@nierenberggroup.com or post a comment on my bloghttp://thenierenblog.typepad.com
All the best!
P.S. Visit my new online store where I had just recorded my latest book: Savvy Networking
