Developing the Skill of Gratitude
Being Grateful will make you a happier person.
It’s scientifically proven, go ahead and Google it.
But gratitude is more than an attitude, it is a skill. And like any skill, gratitude can be developed with regular practice.
You must practice gratitude to realize its benefits.
How to Develop the Skill of Gratitude
Write it Down
Take time in the day to write down the things you are grateful for. In the morning, in the evening, throughout the day. The time doesn’t really matter. But go analog. Use a physical pen and write what you are grateful for on physical paper. It forces you to stop and think about it instead of letting the good things just pass you by.
Savor
Take time every day to stop and savor something. The taste of your coffee, the feel of the water hitting your body in the shower, a sunset. Life is full of so many beautiful micro experiences. Take the time to appreciate them.
Appreciate What You Have
A little Stoicism can help with gratitude. Stoicism teaches us that the path to gratitude is through appreciation of what we have, instead of seeking more. In general, the less we desire, and the more grateful we are for what we have, the happier we are.
Negative Visualization
This is another Stoic practice. No matter how bad things seem, they can always be worse. Take a moment to reflect on how things could be worse. It will make you more grateful for how they currently are.
Make Two Lists
Seth Godin presents an interesting way to develop a grateful mindset. Make two lists. One of the good stuff and one of the bad stuff. Put one where you can see it and one in the drawer. Your choice of which one goes where.
Gratitude is a skill that can be developed with practice.
And just like with any skill…
Practice makes perfect.
