I always think of Thanksgiving as a holiday designed by coaches. I mean, really, who else would create a day centered on bringing people with different backgrounds and viewpoints together? And encourage the expression of gratitude via words and actions… without needing to patronize Hallmark or give material items?!
So as you celebrate the holiday of “my people,” whether you are serving food to the less fortunate, hosting a shindig at your home, or spending the day in quiet contemplation, I want to offer you a quick Gratitude Quiz to determine whether you are genuinely expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life today, and just as importantly, each day of the year.
Directions: Answer each question below with a Yes or a No. (I encourage you to be a rigorous grader!)
Question 1: Do you express gratitude AT LEAST 3 times each day to other people?
Q2: When you express your appreciation, do you avoid consciously or unconsciously expecting something in return?
Q3: Do you let people know the specific behaviors they demonstrate that you appreciate? (i.e., Thank you for taking the time to listen to my frustration. I appreciate you stepping in on my behalf in that meeting.)
Q4: Do you say “thank you” (and mean it!) when the universe gives you the chance to practice shifting an obstacle into an opportunity.
Q5: When you express your gratitude, do you do so without conditional words – avoiding “if” and “but”? (i.e., I’d really appreciate it if… or… Thank you so much, but)
Q6: Do you show your gratitude by looking for ways to support other people the way they want to be supported? (i.e., Asking how you can help a client or colleague vs. assuming you know what’s best for them)
Q7: Do you daily thank yourself for how you have contributed to the world?
If for any reason you answered “No” to one or more of the questions, ask yourself what would need to happen for you to shift to a “Yes”? And what would the payoff be? (If you’re anything like me, the realization that a shift in how your communicate gratitude will lead to a better relationship with a spouse or a supervisor, or lay the foundation for more resilience or happiness, is exactly the fuel needed for forward, intentional action.
Now, one of the ways I’m excited to show my gratitude is to thank the people who entered my Thanksgiving Moxie Solo Speaking Bootcamp contest. And the winner, drawn randomly from each entry is… (insert drum roll here)… Sarah Yost!
I am so grateful to everyone who said, “heck yeah,” I’m ready to make my communication success a priority and use storytelling to share my message with a larger audience. The greatest thank you I receive is when people practice what I proselytize.
So I plan to see you in a Step Into Your Moxie Solo Speaking Bootcamp session soon! December sessions are getting booked quickly, so go sign up ASAP if you want to get yours done in 20-1-1!
