Having an Attitude of Gratitude

Recently I published an article about “Being Vulnerable” - it was my way of purging the demons that have been haunting me beneath the surface of my smile.

I have to say, after being transparent and putting myself out there, I feel so much better.

At first, it was just the act of getting it out. Next, it was the feeling of actually being vulnerable and sharing it with the world by publishing my story and sharing on social media. Finally, the messages came flooding in. Thank you to everyone that reached out!

This post though isn’t about me. This is about you. I’ll mix in personal stories to get the point out, but my intention is to give you a plan of action to find a little more happiness in your day to day.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

Are you happy with the reflection in the mirror or merely content?

I often struggle looking at myself in the mirror. I see the glass but I rarely look deep into the eyes staring back at me. It’s not because I’m ashamed. It is partially because I’m afraid.

But, most of all it’s because I’m not truly present. I’m moving too fast. I talk all the time about meditation; however, I rarely practice meditation.

Here’s something that I have done that has helped me incredibly in my journey to find happiness. The best part… it’s easy to do and you can implement it in your daily routine as well!

My Attitude of Gratitude
I’ve switched my mindset from focusing on the negatives to trying to appreciate all the little things (which, in reality, are the big things). I made a list of things that I’m grateful for and I repeat it in my head daily.

I still am trying to meditate and it’s not working great for me at the present moment. So, instead of attempting to meditate to say my list of things I’m grateful for - I’m simply repeating my grateful list anytime I get sad, depressed or any sort of negative feeling like anxiety. I’ve also used this as a way to run that extra mile, swim those extra 10 laps or pump out those last 2 reps when lifting.

In the spirit of transparency, here is the list of things I am grateful for:

• My Health

• My Family

• My Business

• My Lifestyle

• My Financial Situation

• To live in the United States of America, live in California and to be even more specific to live in Campbell (Silicon Valley)

I used to read about people making a list of things they are grateful for and the list would look kinda similar to what you just read. I used to think it was a bunch of B.S. On the surface it’s so easy to say I’m grateful for my health. However, when I really think about it - I am so incredibly grateful for my health! I never ever thought about how appreciative I am that I have working legs that let me run and even to just walk! I never think about how I don’t have asthma or how almost all of my friends wear contacts but I don’t. Whatever it is … I never appreciate my health no matter how large or small it may seem. So, when I say in my mind that I’m grateful for my health; these are the thoughts that are running through my mind!

One more example… I wouldn’t consider myself the most patriotic person in America. But, I am damn proud to be an American and I rarely ever think about how lucky I am to have been born into this amazing country! Taking it a step further… I was born in California. People from all over the world dream of living in the U.S and California specifically! Not only that, but I live in Silicon Valley … one of the most prosperous places in the world to live! I literally have no excuse to complain about the economy or why my business would be suffering. I’ve lived in rural places like Chico, CA and it’s so much harder to grow your business in an area like that than it is in somewhere like Silicon Valley. I have no excuse to complain about lack of opportunity. This thought inspires me and helps me get up and get after it!

How to Create YOUR Grateful List

1. 1. Find a time that you can be alone for at least 30 minutes

2. 2. Find a place to think this over

   • Some ideas: Working out (running/swimming/lifting etc), at a park / near a lake / anywhere in nature, quiet room in your house, even the shower

3. 3. Close your eyes and try not to think

   • Thoughts will come, that’s okay. Don’t try to stop thinking about these random thoughts. They will come and go if you let them. In meditation, they call it “noting”. In other words, just “note” the thought then let it pass - don’t let these thoughts consume you.

4. 4. After a few minutes, your mind should start to clear…

5. 5. Start asking yourself what you’re grateful for

6. 6. Challenge yourself

   • Don’t just accept “I’m grateful for my family” or whatever comes to your mind. Ask yourself, “what makes it so great?”, “why am I grateful for this?”

7. 7. Write it down.

   • Personally, I prefer the notes app on my phone but you might want to use whatever tool you’re actually going to use like maybe for you it’s a notepad because you prefer to take pen to paper.

8. 8. Say it daily and say it anytime you are feeling down.

That’s it. It’s really that simple. In no way am I suggesting this will heal you and help you overcome everything you may be battling. This is just one simple and easy tactic to use to help find more happiness daily.

Have other ideas? Let me know; I would love to hear your take. You can reach me at Sam@SwagWorx.com.

Thanks for taking the time to work on yourself and I wish you the best in your journey!
Sam

P.S. for more inspirational tips and self-development thoughts, check out my Mojo Monday’s podcasthere.

Sam Kabert is the creative director of SwagWorx and the creator and co-host of the podcast “WhatUp Silicon Valley!” A risk taker who embraces permanent beta, Sam is leading the transformation of his family-run office supplies business into a promotional products powerhouse. Sam can be reached at Sam@SwagWorx.com