The Transformative Power of Active Gratitude

We've reached the halfway point in our 6-week gratitude challenge! Over the past month, we've 
delved into various aspects of cultivating a gratitude mindset. This week, we will focus on active 
gratitude - the conscious, daily practice of expressing appreciation.

Active gratitude goes beyond simply uttering the words "thank you." It is about recognizing the value in every person, experience, and circumstance, even during adversity. This mindset shift can profoundly enrich both our professional and personal realms.

Why Active Gratitude Matters

Embracing gratitude, as we have explored, enhances psychological and physical well-being. However, the active expression of thanks yields additional benefits. Hearing "thank you" from a supervisor or mentor bolsters our self-worth and self-efficacy. Studies show that employees who feel valued are more motivated and less likely to leave an organization.

Beyond personal growth, active gratitude also fosters trust, cooperation, and stronger connections. 
Our outward expressions of appreciation ripple through our relationships, improving team 
dynamics.  Gestures like a handwritten note or employee-of-the-month recognition reinforce 
camaraderie.

As philosopher William Arthur Ward said, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a 
present and not giving it." Actively voicing appreciation allows others to feel our gratitude

Practicing Active Gratitude

Now that we have covered the immense value of active gratitude, let us explore how to put this into practice.

For Leaders

• Recognize your team's efforts frequently and through their preferred means.
• Customizing your expressions of thanks makes them genuinely felt.
• Implement a monthly or quarterly ritual where one team member is recognized for going above and beyond. This reinforces camaraderie.
• Share sincere praise and appreciation in staff meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. A little goes a long way.

For Employees

• Don't assume your superiors receive adequate gratitude from their superiors.
• Express your appreciation through handwritten notes, small gifts, or verbal praise.
• Likewise, share gratitude with peers who lend a hand. Our coworkers are gifts!

For All

• Consciously practice active gratitude daily. Recognize the good in each person and situation, even when it is hard.
• Keep a gratitude journal to maintain this mindset through difficulties.
• Share experiences of expressing active gratitude using #activegratitude. Inspire others!

As Melody Beattie wrote, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a 
vision for tomorrow.”

Practicing active gratitude brings personal and collective enrichment. Our expressions of thanks weave connection, empathy and understanding through our relationships.

We're now almost through our 6-week challenge. Let's continue cultivating gratitude in all its forms 
as we move forward together. Share your insights using #activegratitude. You've got this!

MISS A CHALLENGE? See all Gratitude Challenges for weeks one to six here.