How practicing gratitude helps you reach your financial goals
"Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
If you've had financial goals, you've probably made financial mistakes along the way. It is par for the course. Some common mistakes are paying to much, selling too low, waiting too long to act, or mistiming the market. Financial mistakes, coupled with everyday money woes like the rising cost of living, can easily lead to a negative outlook and a sense of deprivation.
I don't have to tell you this outlook does not pair well with accomplishment. Meeting any goal takes planning, consistency, and discipline. That's not a secret. The question is how do you break through the gloom and get things done? The answer is Gratitude.
Robert Emmons, professor of psychology at UC Davis, the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude, when asked about gratitude when life goes badly responded “Not only will a grateful attitude help—it is essential.” He goes on to say, “It is precisely under crisis conditions when we have the most to gain by a grateful perspective on life. In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize. In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal. In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope. In other words, gratitude can help us cope with hard times.”
Expressing gratitude for what is going well and being appreciative shifts your energy. Scientifically, the brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin which are associated with feelings of happiness and contentment. You know the saying, what you focus on grows.
To start, each day write down 1-3 things you are grateful for. That's it! That's all you have to do. Some ideas are:
I am grateful my family is healthy.
I am grateful I have an income.
I am grateful I have a nice home.
I am grateful I have money to pay my bills.
I am grateful I can afford to eat out for dinner whenever I want.
I am grateful I can take a vacation.
I am grateful I have the money for (…..).
I am grateful to have friends who I have things in common.
Start your gratitude practice this holiday season and see if you notice a positive shift.
By the way, I am grateful for you!
Lana
