Gratitude

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So far, we’ve determined that in order to achieve the things we want in our lives it’s likely we will need to change. We’ve explored some tools and techniques that will assist us to embrace change. One being primarily ways to release stress, negative memories and emotions. 

However, change is not easy and in order to really change we need to train our brains to see change as a positive, we need to embrace it.

As adults, our brains instinctively see changes as negative, as it’s unknown, unfamiliar and takes more energy to navigate. Our brains and bodies like to find the most efficient ways of doing things, so creating new neural pathways isn’t the preferred method for our brains.

So how do we stop resisting change and actually embrace it?

It’s very evident that our make-up as humans is much more intricately complex than that of the butterfly – our intellect, emotional, physical and psychological make-ups are quite advanced and they are constantly changing.

Change is constant, and in most instances, quite subtle and unassuming until it dawns on us. And when this happens, we are amazed at the level of change and transformation that has taken place ‘unaware’.

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“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” 

Bill Gates 

Gratitude is the next tool we’d like to share with you. It is a way to anchor ourselves into positive emotions and memories. It’s a tool that will facilitate you to change your brain.

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Research shows people who practise being grateful show significantly higher levels of happiness and psychological well-being. They are less depressed, less anxious, less stressed and report having fewer symptoms of physical pain. They have more success at work and have higher self-esteem. They have better relationships too.

Suppose you remember that our thinking drives our emotions. In that case, actions and behaviours, the art of practising gratitude is a tool that is empowering. You actively choose the thoughts, feelings and behaviours more regularly and effectively reprogram your brain to be less stressed and more aware of positive emotions and states of mind.

Some counsellors say just two consecutive weeks of daily gratitude practice has long term positive effects on one’s mood and level of optimism – that lasts for up to six months. You could, for example, practice two things you are grateful for at the end of the day in your journal. You could have a gratitude practice at the dinner table with your family or even in your teams during meetings. 

Gratitude focuses the brain on positive emotions, which we now know as a ripple effect on your state of mind and body and brain functioning.

Combined with expressive writing, it’s’ also a powerful tool to enable you to release memories and emotional triggers.

Here is an exciting read on a study of gratitude and the impact of a gratitude letter.

Gratitude is a substantial psychological booster. One we defiantly recommend incorporating into a daily life habit.

For more on gratitude, explore this article, a fascinating read, some of which we have drawn from. https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/the-incredible-power-of-gratitude

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A “must-have” change tool – a journal

A journal is one of the most powerful resources in your personal and professional toolkit. We now know that releasing our emotions, both positive and negative and any memories we are holding onto will enable us to optimise our body and brain performance. We also know that gratitude has profound impacts on our psychological well being. A journal brings both the release and gratitude techniques together in one tool. 

Neuroscience has proven that journaling is one of the most effective ways to improve cognitive functioning and focus. 

It is one of the most effective ways to release yourself from self-sabotage, procrastination, and neural loops we get stuck with (the thoughts we just can’t let go of) daily.  That is why we have chosen journal activities for the critical actionable areas of this Program, ideally to get you to create a positive neural habit of self-reflection and introspection.

If you are to be successful in your business, career or life in general, you need to take control of the biggest thing that drives your life and your thinking.

Let us take you back to one of the first things we covered at the start of this course. 

One of our essential tools in life is language and the way we use it. We use language to understand and think about the world. When you use language to communicate and connect with yourself, you can become a coach to yourself, noticing your own patterns and mental habits; you are then empowered to upgrade them actively.

This week, our Action focus is to get you back to the journal, but this time releasing a memory that has helped you back, through the art of a gratitude journal.

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