Everyone wants to create success and prosperity. Wallace Wattles offered a clear solution over a century ago in The Science of Getting Rich, which posits that the first key to success is a gratitude attitude. Some counter that when one is in a state of need, that is, lacking in both success and prosperity, it is not natural to feel grateful. One must therefore adopt a gratitude attitude by finding each kernel of goodness to focus on, rather than the lack.
Even a hundred years after publication of The Science of Getting Rich, Wattles’ book continues to be influential. Many highly regarded authors, like Napoleon Hill and Rhonda Byrne, creator of The Secret, credit their philosophy to the genius of Wallace Wattles.
Gratitude improves relationships
According to Kevin Eikenberry, a world-renowned speaker on leadership, we learn the importance of saying "thank you" as little children. We are taught that habit because it is "good manners." This childhood lesson is extremely powerful. He says, “Think about those people that you know who are most appreciative of you — and let you know it. How do you feel about them? Does their appreciation positively impact your relationship with them? Of course it does! Be grateful for people, their contributions, their talents and their actions — and make sure you let them know how you feel.” This holds doubly true in network marketing and is the basis for recognition of achievements by team members.
Gratitude reduces negativity
It is hard to be negative about your situation when you are thinking about things for which you are grateful. One of the fastest ways to improve your mood or outlook is to count your blessings.
Gratitude improves problem-solving skills
When we think about what we are grateful for, we open our minds up to new possibilities and connections. We also enter a problem-solving situation with a perspective of improvement and opportunity rather than challenge or issue. Good problem-solving skills translate into successful business building.
Harnessing gratitude for success
The universal law of attraction says that we will attract into our lives the things we think about and focus on. In this way, the gratitude attitude is directly related to positive thinking. Like most things in life, practice makes perfect, and when consciously done every day, the gratitude attitude simply becomes part of who we are. Here is a summary of some concrete actions to take to create a gratitude attitude from The Science of Getting Rich.
Start and end the day by being grateful.
The minute you wake up, think of the good things that you have in your life right now AND the things you intend to receive. Don’t think of the bad things. Express gratitude for your many blessings like a loving family, friends, food on your table, an increasing income, and more.
Repeat this same exercise by expressing more words of gratitude before you go to sleep. Make this your habit. Being grateful also helps you start and end your day well, with much needed good, positive vibes. At the end of the day, record the events of the day that created positive emotions, either in you or in those around you.
Did you help somebody solve a problem? Write it down. Did you connect with a colleague or friend? Write it down. Did you make somebody smile? Write it down.
What you're doing is "programming your brain" to view your day more positively. You're focusing on what worked well and dismissing what didn't. As a result, you'll sleep better, and you'll wake up more refreshed.
Gratitude is an attitude, a choice and a habit. Gratitude attracts better relationships and results, both of which are the foundation for successful networking and sales. At LifePharm, we start with the premise that “life is precious” and everything we do is supports that belief.