We did it!! Another UNSTUCK! event is in the books! At the end of October, we executed a spectacular experience for all the attendees of my UNSTUCK! event—virtual and in person. Everyone there was able to accomplish some amazing things and made some big plans for the coming new year. I am so thankful that I have the team I have who made the event go off without a hitch and for all of my presenting partners and sponsors who made the event a better place for everyone there. We had THE BEST swag boxes in the world, and they were stuffed with gifts from the sponsors and from me. The unveiling was a blast! In this season of thanks, I cannot say enough about everyone involved, from those mentioned above to every single participant who gave me three days of their time and dove into their businesses.
Speaking of thanks, the holidays always bring this to the forefront. I think it’s so important to look at where you are now compared to the beginning of the new year and how you got here—who helped you along the way, from mentors, to community members, to your amazing clients, to team members you have (old and possibly new), and your family. Without all of these folks, our businesses would not be possible. Things would not run as smoothly, we wouldn’t have anyone to serve, and we couldn’t grow. So please take a moment to say thank you to all who have any hand in you being able to do what you do.
As I was doing my research on gratitude and productivity, what became abundantly clear is that gratitude is linked to happiness, and happiness is linked to productivity. This time of year, for me, is MAGICAL, and I am so happy during the month of December. So why not carry the magic all through the new year? Why does gratitude make magic and cause happiness? Because it gives us a sense of meaning that we are part of something greater than ourselves! It keeps us grounded and authentic and in touch with those around us. The Global Happiness Council (Yes, there is such a thing!) estimates that gratitude increases productivity by 10-13%. Imagine what you could do with 13% more productivity! As well, a Forbes study found that happy workers are 20% more productive. The amazing thing about being an entrepreneur is that we’re in charge of that meter. AND, we can provide gratitude and a positive experience for those on our team.
So how do we increase happiness and gratitude in our businesses? Let’s just think about some daily practices that will help us focus on the positive and let go of our frustrations.
1: Journal Your Gratitude
Journal your gratitude each day or simply write a bulleted list of three things you are grateful for in the morning when you wake up.
2: Show Appreciation
Write three thank you cards or thank you texts a week. Let people know how very much you appreciate them!
3: Celebrate Successes Each Day
I encourage my clients to practice a success journal. Even if you have a “bad” day, there are still things you can look at and see a success in them! For me, if I go a day without nagging my son (who is nearly 20 and living at the house), it’s a success! It’s something I’m working hard on.
4: Smile
I know this is so basic, but it’s something that will change your own chemistry and could make a huge difference for someone out there that just needed to see something lovely and feel like they were worth smiling at.
5: Give A Hug
Again, so basic, but hugging—real, genuine hugs—can change someone’s day and are a proven positive and happy activity that reduce stress and increase happiness by releasing those happy hormones!
I know none of this is rocket science. But sometimes we forget how to express gratitude and to show happiness and kindness. Every one of these things increases productivity and make a difference not just in your own life but in the lives of others. If you can put these practices into motion and bring them intentionally into your life, you will truly be different in the new year and going forward into next year.
Want to read further? Here’s an article for you to check out regarding elevating gratitude in your business. https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-practice-gratitude-as-a-business-skill/361070
Check out my Daily Productivity Planner to help stay focused and organized in the new year! https://juliemillerdavis.com/daily-productivity-planner/