I was recently at an association meeting where we were asked to share a key a’ha from this past year. Some people shared quotes, others books, methodologies, and more. It was amazing to see the diversity of what had influenced our year and I felt grateful for all that was being shared.

With that grateful feeling, I was reminded of the number of times a gratitude practice had been suggested as a way to focus on the positive. For some, this is writing down the things for which they are grateful each day. For others, writing gratitude statements is a bit tedious, but speaking them out loud has the same effect. Whichever way you approach it, gratitudes generate an uplifting energy that is a wonderful way to end each day.

“The Law of Attraction” perspective highlights that what we focus on we create more of, so focusing on things for which we are grateful creates a resonance that can attract more of the same. Think of all that you have to be grateful for, from the very simple to the big ticket things, like:

  • Having a roof over your head and food on the table
  • A crystal clear blue sky
  • The love of your family, friends, animals
  • Money in the bank
  • Opportunity and options related to your health and career

Another way to bring more positivity into your life is to create a practice dedicated to focusing on your successes big and small. There are several ways to honor yourself and your accomplishments. Some insights I’ve learned from others include:

  • Giving yourself a standing “O”vation where you applaud yourself
  • Keeping a success journal
  • Reviewing the successes for each day or week, coupled with doing a hand pump while saying “Yes I did that”!

With so much focus in the world on “not good enough”, “what is missing” and “how you are less than others”, reminding yourself of all you have achieved and all of who you are is key to maintaining your confidence. When you have 

  • Completed something that had been on your to do list for months
  • Achieved a credential, a new job, expanded business
  • Offered a random act of kindness or generously shared your time
  • Walked a mile or went to the gym

… why not spend a bit of time celebrating the accomplishment before thinking of what needs attention next?

Building positivity through a practice around gratitudes and successes is a powerful way to acknowledge yourself and all you have in your life. If you find that you are often more focused on the negative, what you don’t have or haven’t achieved, please connect with me at www.systemsofchange.com for a free 30 minute consultation.