Leading from Gratitude
Last month I shared a free download eBook from Dan Sullivan, The Strategic Coach: “Thinking about your thinking”. Through the holidays I had a chance to really focus on what I was thinking about. I was thinking about life and how short it really is. I am now thinking about gratitude and how precious each moment is moving forward. The link to download a copy of Dan’s eBook is below.
Thinking About Your Thinking
It’s Great to be Alive!
The last 5+ years have been challenging and as I reflect on the last year, September 1st weighs heavy on my heart. I was with a long-time friend, colleague, confidant, and member of my mastermind group. We were making plans to meet up for dinner before a concert we were both attending in a few weeks. Two days later, I learned he died suddenly the evening after we met.
As I started this month’s newsletter, I heard about the passing of long-time WXRT DJ, Lin Brehmer. Although I didn’t know Lin, I felt like I did because he was part of my morning routine for a long time. Lin used to say “he was your best friend in the whole world”. I especially looked forward to his “Lin’s Bin” each Monday when he answered listener questions with great wit and sarcasm.
Lin signed off each day with a line that continues to become more valuable to me moving forward: “It is great to be alive!”
Lin Brehmer Tribute
How do you show your gratitude to clients?
One of my long-time advisors and friend has a unique way of thanking his clients and valued support partners. Just before Christmas he and his partner drive around Chicagoland handing out a coffee cake, calendar, and a touch of inspiration. Each year I look forward to it. I am thankful to be included on his list and that we are both here to celebrate another year.
This year’s inspiring poem is Desiderata, published by Max Ehrmann in 1927. It is thought Desiderata was inspired by an urge that Max wrote about in his diary: “I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift — a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.” It certainly inspires me to figure out what it is I will leave behind some day.
Desiderata – Words for Life by Max Ehrmann – Famous poems, famous poets. – All Poetry
Gratitude Tools
Too many people measure against their ideal. They are always left unfulfilled because they haven’t reached their goal. This situation called “The GAP” by Dan Sullivan can be avoided by learning to measure backward and be grateful for what you have. I have provided two Memory Sticks™(book summaries) from The Business Source that discuss The GAP & Leading with Gratitude:
The GAP and The GAIN – The High Achiever’s Guide to Happiness, Confidence and Success
Leading with Gratitude – 8 ways managers can exhibit gratitude.
As the new year begins, many will be working on their goals for 2023 and beyond. A worthwhile exercise is to increase your gratitude. Below is a short list of topics to consider from Dan Sullivan, The Strategic Coach.
- List five things you’re most grateful for in your life right now.
- List five people who have Unique Abilities you appreciate.
- List five qualities you’d like to be known for.
- List three opportunities in your life you want to take advantage of.
- List three qualities you want to develop over the next 12 months.
- List three actions you can take to share your gratitude with others.