Grattitude Adjustment

I'm sure you've heard the challenge to have an attitude of gratitude.

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

I find that I'm not able to hold that gratitude attitude very long even though I agree with it completely. It just seems that the moment I hop back into "normal" life, there is this pull to go faster, not slower. Get work done, not socialize.

The issue is that the more we do that, a few things happen.

-Those around us don't realize how valuable they are.

How valuable we may even think they are. They know what we express, not what we think. It takes time to show appretiation, but the payoff is a more motivated, secure, confident, encouraged, and connected staff. Time well spent, don't you think? You may think you don't have time to show gratitude. I think you don't have time not to.

-Relationship seams start to separate.

Teams that stay together over the long haul are teams that have spent significant time encouraging each other as well as fighting for/with each other. People need attaboys. You and I need attaboys. This is not something for the insecure. It is for all. If you don't give them, some of your people may be drawn to an environment where they do get them and when they move down that path, it'll take more than a higher salary and a corner office to keep them.

-We can begin to think that we are the only significant player.

The others are there to make our dreams happen. The reality is that each person on your team is someone whom God loves, has gifted, and has dreams and insecrities of their own. THEY ARE SIGNIFICANT. Be prayerful that you leverage your influence in their lives to make sure they know that beyond a shadow of a doubt.

So here's my challenge to you. It's simple. It could be a quick text, a facebook post, a card or a phone call. Get creative. It doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive to be effective.

I want to challenge you to take some time to appreciate someone that does something for you that you take for granted and to do it now before you forget.