The Reluctant Gratitude Practitioner
Recently, we had a power outage that lasted about 5 hours. We have a new gas fireplace and after several unsuccessful attempts, I couldn’t get it to light when the power was off—this was the first time we tried to start it without power.
When Lyn got home she asked,
“Did you check the users manual ?”
“Check the users manual—what’s that going to tell me ?”
“Whether or not the fireplace can work when the power is out and how to turn it on.”
After at least 5 minutes of pushing back, I concede,
“Ok” <<reluctant sigh>>
Two minutes later I couldn’t believe what came out of my mouth,
“Well what do you know—all it needs is two D-size batteries.”
Lyn says,
“I got em upstairs.”
We install the batteries, flip the switch and we’ve got a fire—and within 30 seconds, the power comes back on. Anyhow, the batteries are there so we’re ready for when the power goes out next time.
I was reluctant in accepting my Queen’s advice but didn’t regret it after taking it.
This immediately reminded me of the parallel to practising gratitude at work because I’ve met many people over the years who were very reluctant to introduce gratitude at work or let alone start a gratitude practise for themselves.
And without exception, I have never met anyone who’s told me they’ve regretted starting a gratitude practice or regretted introducing gratitude at work.
Not one !
According to the gratitude at work user’s manual, grateful people:
are more likely to achieve import life goals
are happier
are less materialistic
have higher levels of intrinsic motivation which is linked to job satisfaction
have more social connections
gossip less
are more productive
exercise more regularly
sleep more soundly
are less likely to ostracize coworkers, and
are more likely to go the extra mile for complete strangers.
So are you or someone you know reluctant about starting a gratitude practice or reluctant about introducing more gratitude at work ?
What are you waiting for ?
