Everyone reading this article has a story that makes them exceptional. By sharing, you could likely help others with their own self-discovery.
In the new sharing economy, you can tell your story in a material way by blogging, writing a book, developing a course, product, or podcast. But the new economy is more than a transaction of goods and services. It’s an exchange of trust with the intent of building relationships, and ultimately a tribe of trusted followers that will receive your message of gratitude.
So, what is gratitude?
Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” Being thankful in a sometimes-cynical world is difficult even for the most optimistic and good hearted-person. In a world where social media is popularized as “bringing the world together”, the internet is rife with narcissism and self-gratification.
The world needs all the good vibes it can get; it needs your gratitude. So how do you know when you are ready to show “gratitude” by sharing your message?
First, you need to be self-aware. Let’s be honest many of us are not, and likely have never done a skills inventory that could help us identify our passion. What are your strengths, superpowers, the talents that make you who you are and how you’d apply them if you didn’t have to “pay the bills”?
Do a self-audit. Ask your friends and family to truthfully list your strengths and weaknesses. The logic behind this exercise is that the people who know you the best provide unique insight. You’ll gain tremendous feedback, albeit some might be tough to take, but if you truly wish to improve, you will make changes. By being self-aware and knowing your strengths, your ability to pay it forward and Scale your Gratitude will feel much easier and authentic.
While self-analysis is necessary, life is made up of seminal moments that define us and challenge us to be thankful. A moment in time that changes our life’s path throwing cold water on everything and anything we knew to be true. These stories make each of us unique; humanizing us.
How do we take these pivotal moments and show gratitude? By sharing your time and talents; sometimes it’s that simple. Here are some examples…
- Share a personal story with your readers – often others are going through a similar experience and your story may help
- Write an article focusing on your talent – share it for free
- Be a mentor in your community
- Set aside uninterrupted time every day to have a conversation with your loved ones
- Ask a colleague if there’s something you can help with
- Learn how to cook a new dinner and invite neighbors over
These are small, but meaningful examples of ways you can engage in Scaling your Gratitude causing a ripple effect (think throwing a pebble in water). You’re paying it forward by sharing your talent, time, and knowledge.
Think of your most memorable moments – some good, some not, what do these events teach us about gratitude? They teach us how to be thankful, and appreciate the lessons they offer such as:
- Failure is not a bad thing if you learn from it
- Learn humility and listen more
- The answers to our questions are all around us if we are receptive
- Self-awareness is not easy
- Regret is one of the worse feelings
- Envy of others can be debilitating
By living a life with passion and purpose, sharing without any expectation of receiving in return, Scaling your Gratitude is truly a movement worth joining.
William Smith, MS, NSCA-CSCS, MEPD works for a nationally recognized healthcare system in the New York metropolitan area providing health and wellness services. His focus is in special populations and how healthcare providers and fitness professionals can work more closely together. Visit his blog at jerseygrind.com.
Additional edits and updates on the article provided by Sharon Shaffery. Visit her site at najerseyshore.com.
