There is one simple thing that will delay your dreams more than anything else, and possibly even kill them. Your skill to identify this dream killer, stop it, and know how to do the opposite of it will determine your happiness and success.
Dreams and Goals flourish by Keeping a Gratitude Journal
When creating a list of the positive habits that one can develop, keeping a gratitude journal ranks top of the list.
The University of California launched a 3-year project, costing 5.6 million dollars. The topic of study was gratitude; specifically, on keeping a gratitude journal. They found that by writing just a few things each day improved people’s lifestyle in such areas as, better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness, more happiness, less anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, less stress, and reduced negativity. All a result of writing a few minutes a day, on what you are thankful for.
Gratitude in the workplace.
Another study was done on how important expressing appreciation is, in the workplace. What they found out was,
- 46% said that they would leave the company because, they felt unappreciated,
- 61% said their bosses did not regard them as an important individual,
- 88% said they did not receive acknowledgment for their work. Yikes! 88%, no wonder there are a lot of unhappy people with their work situation.
A survey done with 200 companies, asking what motivates their employees. Out of a list of 10 things, the number 1 was APPRECIATION. The answer was quite surprising considering they thought it would be bonuses, or fringe benefits; but no, it was something so simple as appreciation.
Your Dreams are Stopped by this #1 Motivator Killer
If Appreciation is the #1 motivator, then what is the top action that will delay your dreams more than anything else? The answer is Complaining. What? Seriously, is that right? Gee wiz, I do that at least once a day. (LOL) The problem with complaining, is that you are 
choosing to stay stuck in the emotion of a situation. Every time you complain, you are brought right back to the emotions tied to that event, like watching a rerun of the same movie night after night.
A 30 Day Commitment to support your goals and dreams
David Horsager, on his CD about his success, he talks about his failed attempts to move up to the next level of success. He began to be mentored by a very successful business man. The mentor told him, “I want you to make a 30-day commitment to stop complaining. Don’t complain about the weather, about the traffic, about how tired you are, Don’t complain about your landlord, your neighbor, your food, don’t even complain about how hungry you are. He said “don’t allow a complaint out of your mouth for 30 days.” He said, “making myself stop complaining changed my life.” When we are busy focusing on what seems wrong, we miss what we can be grateful for.
I’ve heard it said that, “If you want to be successful, then be grateful. When you are grateful, you attract more to be grateful for. However, if you complain you will attract more to complain about.”
When I complain it usually has to do with how someone or something has made me feel. My complaining is like a kettle on the stove letting off steam. So, instead of complaining, I use this great technique that I will share with you for free…. It works WONDERFUL ! I use it to eliminate those emotional feelings.
Click the link below and you will be redirected to the page with the “How-to” video.
So are Willing to take the challenge? The 30 day challenge of no complaining?
Let’s start together, today. 30 days of no complaining about how your hair turned out, the weather, weight, people at work, the family, or even the dog. No complaining about anything.
And while we are at it, take out your journal and write what you are grateful for. We have all heard that our chance of success goes up to 98%, when you put your dreams and goals in writing. I can imagine that our goals will hit the 100% by adding a few simple gratitudes.
Did you ever realize there is a difference between thankful and gratitude?
A quote by David O. McKay says, “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”
Now take a moment and read that again. “Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” I believe David O. McKay was referring to that feeling of gratitude so deep that it stirs one to take action, to do something, to express their gratitude. Where thankfulness is an awareness, it is love, respect and understanding. All of these are feelings, but not actions.. When these feelings move to action, it is then, that we have move to gratitude.
I am ready to take the challenge, and would love to have you join me. If you do, let me know about it.
Try it out, and send me an email to tell me your experiences. Send it to cathy@realpositivechange.com
Remember this wise tip from Socrates…
