The Four Powers of Gratitude

Show me a leader who is happy with everything and I’ll show you a loser. The gift of young leaders is unhappiness. The tragedy of old leaders is contentment.

Unhappiness and discontent ignite passion for change.

Warning:

Slime pits of ingratitude lie just beyond unhappiness. Nothing de-motivates like churlish ungratefulness. On the other hand, gratitude provides rich feedback that motivates forward movement.

Gratitude expels.

1. Hate shrivels when gratefulness comes to play.
2. Worry lessens with thankfulness.
3. Unhappiness cringes in the presence of gratitude.
4. Anger softens with thank you.

The 4 powers of gratitude:

1. Freedom from the past. Bitterness binds; gratitude releases.
2. Freedom to celebrate. Do you celebrate enough? No!
3. Freedom to perform. Ungratefulness beats down; gratitude builds up.
4. Freedom to connect.

The connecting power of gratitude:

Gratitude opens hearts. People run toward gratefulness and away from ingratitude.

Thankfulness feels like love.
Ungratefulness feels like hate.

Gratitude invites.
Ingratitude repels.

Gratitude enhances impact.

Feeling or behavior:

Think of gratitude as a behavior not a feeling. Express it; don’t wait to feel it. Behave your way into the feeling. But, never lie.

Be thankful for:

1. Challenges.
2. Lessons learned.
3. Progress.
4. Consistency.
5. Excellence.
6. Opportunities.

Bonus: Be thankful for what you have.

Show me a leader who is ungrateful and I’ll show you a loser. Gratefulness answers the unhappiness leaders feel. Today’s challenge: tap into gratitude.

How has ungratefulness impacted you or your organization?

How has gratitude helped you?

What gratitude tips can you offer?

16 Secrets for Dealing with an Empty Tank

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You can’t lead with an empty tank.

16 energy drainers:

1. Incomplete tasks.
2. Responsibility without authority.
3. Proving you’re right rather than seeking best solutions.
4. Following urgencies rather than priorities.
5. Pretending you’re something you aren’t.
6. Feeling alone and disconnected.
7. Procrastination. Go do that dirty deed before it does you in.
8. Negative people and complainers.
9. Reactive rather than proactive living.
10. Incompetence both in you and others.
11. Living for the approval of others.
12. Uncommitted teams.
13. Unmotivated individuals.
14. Being taken for granted.
15. Backstabbers and gossips.
16. Bitterness and resentment.

Bonus: regret.

Thanks to the Leadership Freak Facebook crew who inspired the list of energy drainers.

16 ways to fill your own tank:

1. Develop the team around you.
2. Trust someone.
3. Humble yourself to a trusted advisor. Find someone who listens to the things you really think but don’t feel you can say.
4. Hang with can-do rather than can’t-do people.
5. Begin asking, “Does this matter?” Do more of what matters and less of what doesn’t.
6. Find a brag buddy and share your successes and accomplishments. Brag buddies celebrate; they don’t diminish or out do.
7. Stop something without starting something new.
8. Hire a coach. Mine is Bob Hancox.
9. Build friendships outside your organization.
10. Finish a task.
11. Spend time in self-reflection.
12. Change a routine.
13. Breathe deeply.
14. Pray.
15. Create gratitude lists.
16. Forgive.

Bonus: sleep.

Treat yourself like you matter because you do.

What drains your tank?

How do you fill your own tank?

Post in a picture by Larry Coppenrath: Running on Empty

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