A positive quote, gratitude and tips on happiness, kindness and living a better life.

325: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

324: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

323: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

322: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

321: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

320: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

319: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

318: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

317: The Daily Gratitude Minute - Quotes | Gratitude | Happiness

316: The Daily Gratitude Minute | Quotes - Gratitude - Happiness

Exploring ways to make your personal and professional life better with gratitude. We know that there are numerous benefits to being grateful including increased happiness, health, joy and emotional well-being. Hosted by Scott Colby of Say It With Gratitude, and the author of The Grateful Entrepreneur, The Daily Gratitude Minute empowers people of all walks of life to live in gratitude, lead with gratitude and love with gratitude in both a personal and professional setting.Tune in for your daily does of inspiration to create a happier and more joyful life!

The Daily Gratitude Minute

I wanted to give you my 3-1-3 system for gratitude.If you follow this daily, I truly believe it has the power to change your life.3 - when you wake up in the morning, take out a journal and write down 3 things or people you're grateful for.  Don't just say what they are, add WHY you're grateful for these 3 things.  Really feel it, believe it and live it.1 - In the evening, maybe when you've put away your work for the day, think of one person that impacted you during the day that you're grateful for.  This can be the co-worker that helped with a project, the spouse that you woke up to in the morning, the barista at the coffee shop who smiled at you and was kind...anyone.  Take this a step further, and tell that person that you are grateful for them and why.  Even better, send them a handwritten thank you card.3 - Before you go to bed, list 3 wins for your day, big or small.  We often beat ourselves up for failures or things we didn't do.  I want you to go to bed in a celebratory mood.  So write down your 3 wins daily before heading to bed.  That will put you in a good mood when you shut the lights off.And that's it!  Pretty simple stuff, but this needs to be done each day to have the maximal optimal effect on you.Good luck and let me know how it goes.

I wanted to give you my 3-1-3 system for gratitude. If you follow this daily, I truly believe it has the power to change your life. 3 - when you wake up in the morning, take out a journal and write down 3 things or people you're grateful for. Don't just say what they are, add WHY you're grateful for these 3 things. Really feel it, believe it and live it. 1 - In the evening, maybe when you've put away your work for the day, think of one person that impacted you during the day that you're grateful for. This can be the co-worker that helped with a project, the spouse that you woke up to in the morning, the barista at the coffee shop who smiled at you and was kind...anyone. Take this a step further, and tell that person that you are grateful for them and why. Even better, send them a handwritten thank you card. 3 - Before you go to bed, list 3 wins for your day, big or small. We often beat ourselves up for failures or things we didn't do. I want you to go to bed in a celebratory mood. So write down your 3 wins daily before heading to bed. That will put you in a good mood when you shut the lights off. And that's it! Pretty simple stuff, but this needs to be done each day to have the maximal optimal effect on you. Good luck and let me know how it goes.

My 3-1-3 System For Gratitude

You probably know a lot about gratitude by now, and know it’s impact on happiness, optimism and a healthier life.  Share the practice of gratitude with others. Is someone you know coping with a stress or trauma? Suggest that they ease worries and suffering by redirecting their attention on feelings of gratefulness.  Imagine the impact you can make on others by spreading gratitude

Spread Gratitude

A couple days ago, my tip was to encourage you to realize that you have enough.  You have all you need in life.  Today, I want to encourage you to realize that you ARE enough.  Many of us talk about ourselves in a negative way.  Challenge your inner critic with thoughts of thankfulness, which will immediately turn your negative thoughts into positive ones.  The other way you can think about this is when you’re writing down your gratitude each morning, make it about you.  What’s a quality about yourself that you love?  Write that down.  And do this every single day.

You Are Enough

Oprah Winfrey

I love this quote.  It comes from Oprah Winfrey:  "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." And that’s so true.  We’re often complaining about what we don’t have.  Well we’ll never have everything, right?  Do you really want to complain your entire life?  Instead focus on what you do have and all that’s good in your life.  It’s the best way to live.

I love this quote. It comes from Oprah Winfrey: "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." And that’s so true. We’re often complaining about what we don’t have. Well we’ll never have everything, right? Do you really want to complain your entire life? Instead focus on what you do have and all that’s good in your life. It’s the best way to live.

Gratitude And Oprah Winfrey

Yesterday my gratitude tip for you was to leave a positive review for a business.  But what if you’re a business and you get a bad review?  How can you respond with gratitude and kindness?Well first let me ask the business owners out there a question...Do you respond to reviews that your business gets? A lot of companies don't, however you should respond to all reviews, the good and the bad.If you don't respond, it's the same as being in the same room as someone, having them tell you something about your company, and you don't say anything.If you get a great review, that's awesome. Thank your customer who took the time to review your business and say nice things.If you get a bad review, it's easy to get defensive, or want to go somewhere to hide. But potential customers LOVE seeing that a business took the time to respond to a bad review and try to make it right.Here are 4 tips to responding to a negative review:1) Reply to a negative review as soon as you see it. Reputation management software for small businesses can help you monitor and manage reviews.2) Express empathy for the customer’s unhappiness.3) Ask the customer to contact you privately to discuss their concerns. It’s best to talk by phone or in person, as texts and emails are subject to misinterpretation.4) Once you resolve the matter, ask the customer if they’d be willing to add an update to their original review.

Yesterday my gratitude tip for you was to leave a positive review for a business. But what if you’re a business and you get a bad review? How can you respond with gratitude and kindness? Well first let me ask the business owners out there a question... Do you respond to reviews that your business gets? A lot of companies don't, however you should respond to all reviews, the good and the bad. If you don't respond, it's the same as being in the same room as someone, having them tell you something about your company, and you don't say anything. If you get a great review, that's awesome. Thank your customer who took the time to review your business and say nice things. If you get a bad review, it's easy to get defensive, or want to go somewhere to hide. But potential customers LOVE seeing that a business took the time to respond to a bad review and try to make it right. Here are 4 tips to responding to a negative review: 1) Reply to a negative review as soon as you see it. Reputation management software for small businesses can help you monitor and manage reviews. 2) Express empathy for the customer’s unhappiness. 3) Ask the customer to contact you privately to discuss their concerns. It’s best to talk by phone or in person, as texts and emails are subject to misinterpretation. 4) Once you resolve the matter, ask the customer if they’d be willing to add an update to their original review.

4 Tips To Responding To Bad Reviews

Today begins a 5 part series on how to make more time for gratitude.  As I talk about having more gratitude in your life, and writing handwritten cards, you may be thinking to yourself that you don't have time for this.It's a bit like those that I encourage to workout.Having come from a fitness background, I've heard all of the excuses...and not having enough time is #1.Well as my friend and business coach Pat Rigsby has told me..."you make time for what's important to you."This is true! But I also want to give you some practical ways to make more time for writing thank you cards or writing in a gratitude journal.These tips won't just help you make more time for gratitude, they'll allow you to get more done in your day so you have more free time to spend with your kids, your significant other or having fun.Today's tip - Follow the Pomodoro Technique: Use a timer to break down work into intervals. For example, give yourself a block of 50 minutes to do focused work. Then take a 10 minute break. Do this several times a day, and you'll find yourself being super productive.  It’s almost like a race against the clock.  How much work can you get done before the timer goes off.  OK that’s tip #1.  Tomorrow, I’ll be talking about how to avoid distractions.

Today begins a 5 part series on how to make more time for gratitude. As I talk about having more gratitude in your life, and writing handwritten cards, you may be thinking to yourself that you don't have time for this. It's a bit like those that I encourage to workout. Having come from a fitness background, I've heard all of the excuses...and not having enough time is #1. Well as my friend and business coach Pat Rigsby has told me..."you make time for what's important to you." This is true! But I also want to give you some practical ways to make more time for writing thank you cards or writing in a gratitude journal. These tips won't just help you make more time for gratitude, they'll allow you to get more done in your day so you have more free time to spend with your kids, your significant other or having fun. Today's tip - Follow the Pomodoro Technique: Use a timer to break down work into intervals. For example, give yourself a block of 50 minutes to do focused work. Then take a 10 minute break. Do this several times a day, and you'll find yourself being super productive. It’s almost like a race against the clock. How much work can you get done before the timer goes off. OK that’s tip #1. Tomorrow, I’ll be talking about how to avoid distractions.

How To Make More Time For Gratitude - Part 1

Today is episode 100.  And I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you.  We started on Thanksgiving last year, and have been doing The Daily Gratitude Minute for 100 episodes now.  It really means a lot to me that you take time out of your day to listen to these quick bites of gratitude inspiration.  I so appreciate you, and I want to acknowledge you for bettering yourself by listening to The Daily Gratitude Minute.  I want to leave you with one of my favorite gratitude quotes: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

I Appreciate You

We can forgive for a better life by focusing on what we can be thankful for in a situation where a person has harmed us. This is tough, especially when the harm was life altering. However, if we can look for the good that came out of the situation, it can help us to forgive and heal.

Forgive Someone And Be Thankful

Today is part 5 in a 5 part series on how to make more time for gratitude.  So far We’ve talked about breaking down your work time into intervals, strategically unplugging, scheduling in your email and social media time and Creating a morning routine. Today is about creating a “not to do list.”  That’s right!  We often go about our days with a long to do list, crossing off things as we do them.  Well the to do list is neverending, right?  Instead Create a NOT to-do list. Write out everything that is not contributing to your well-being. This will help you eliminate the busy tasks distracting you from being more productive.  It will take some practice but you’ll learn how to start saying no to things. So there you have it - 5 ways to make more time for gratitude.  Put one or more of these into practice and I know you’ll have more time to write in your gratitude journal and to get your thank you notes written and mailed!

Today is part 5 in a 5 part series on how to make more time for gratitude. So far We’ve talked about breaking down your work time into intervals, strategically unplugging, scheduling in your email and social media time and Creating a morning routine. Today is about creating a “not to do list.” That’s right! We often go about our days with a long to do list, crossing off things as we do them. Well the to do list is neverending, right? Instead Create a NOT to-do list. Write out everything that is not contributing to your well-being. This will help you eliminate the busy tasks distracting you from being more productive. It will take some practice but you’ll learn how to start saying no to things. So there you have it - 5 ways to make more time for gratitude. Put one or more of these into practice and I know you’ll have more time to write in your gratitude journal and to get your thank you notes written and mailed!

How To Make More Time For Gratitude - Part 5

This was an awesome email I received from one of my gratitude newsletter readers.  Her name is Ally and she works as a housekeeper. She said...“You may recall, I work as a housekeeper at a major resort here in Seaside, Oregon. I wanted to share with you a bright moment from my day. A guest had left a tip upon departing. More important than the money was a handwritten note: "Housekeeping - thanks for all you do!"The $$ will buy me a latte, but the note will warm me for a long time to come. Proof that Gratitude is such a powerful tool in our world.”

This was an awesome email I received from one of my gratitude newsletter readers. Her name is Ally and she works as a housekeeper. She said... “You may recall, I work as a housekeeper at a major resort here in Seaside, Oregon. I wanted to share with you a bright moment from my day. A guest had left a tip upon departing. More important than the money was a handwritten note: "Housekeeping - thanks for all you do!" The $$ will buy me a latte, but the note will warm me for a long time to come. Proof that Gratitude is such a powerful tool in our world.”

The Power Of A Handwritten Note

Go through the alphabet and think about 1 thing you’re grateful for that begins with each letter of the alphabet, beginning with the letter A, and continuing all the way through Z.  Doing this when you lay down to go to sleep is a great way to end your day with gratitude.

The Gratitude Alphabet Game

Frank Blake

I found this article on the website TheChickenWire.com.  It was called Humble at the Top: Why These CEOs Still Write Thank You NotesOne of the people they profiled was Frank Blake: Former CEO, The Home DepotFrank Blake learned the art of writing notes from one of America’s masters of the practice, President George H.W. Bush. He served as Deputy Counsel when Bush was Vice President.“Vice President Bush started every day by typing notes to people,” Blake said. “You knew they were typed by him because some of the letters were off line and there could be misspellings. I saw the power of taking the time to write a nice word to someone.”When Blake became CEO of The Home Depot in 2007, he established a process for writing notes: regional and district managers sent him recommendations of store associates whose work or service deserved recognition. Blake spent a half-day or more each weekend writing notes by hand – and was inspired by what he learned.“Our people did amazingly generous things for others,” he said. “It was a great way for me to end the week.”It is important, he added, to be specific in the notes. And they don’t have to be long – most of his are two or three sentences and usually cover only the front of a monogrammed card.“In an age of email and texts, there is something personal and special about a handwritten note,” Blake said. “I have saved every meaningful note I have ever received.”Pretty awesome!

I found this article on the website <a href="http://TheChickenWire.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TheChickenWire.com</a>. It was called Humble at the Top: Why These CEOs Still Write Thank You Notes One of the people they profiled was Frank Blake: Former CEO, The Home Depot Frank Blake learned the art of writing notes from one of America’s masters of the practice, President George H.W. Bush. He served as Deputy Counsel when Bush was Vice President. “Vice President Bush started every day by typing notes to people,” Blake said. “You knew they were typed by him because some of the letters were off line and there could be misspellings. I saw the power of taking the time to write a nice word to someone.” When Blake became CEO of The Home Depot in 2007, he established a process for writing notes: regional and district managers sent him recommendations of store associates whose work or service deserved recognition. Blake spent a half-day or more each weekend writing notes by hand – and was inspired by what he learned. “Our people did amazingly generous things for others,” he said. “It was a great way for me to end the week.” It is important, he added, to be specific in the notes. And they don’t have to be long – most of his are two or three sentences and usually cover only the front of a monogrammed card. “In an age of email and texts, there is something personal and special about a handwritten note,” Blake said. “I have saved every meaningful note I have ever received.” Pretty awesome!

Humble At The Top: Frank Blake: Former CEO, The Home Depot

You Have Enough.  Remember: There is nothing lacking. Our minds tend to lean towards what we are lacking in life instead of all the abundance that exists around us. We always have the choice to think about what is scarce or what is abundant in life. What’s key is to recognize this choice and the value this shift in mindset brings.

You Have Enough

Last week, I profiled a company called Wufoo where the team gets together each week to write handwritten notes to some of their customers.  Well not only are they making their customers feel special which has led to 50% higher retention rates, but the card writing serves as a team bonding experience.  That’s right - as the team comes together each Thursday to write cards, they are getting to know one another on a more personal, intimate level.  It serves as a time where they get to know each others’ hobbies, families and other interests.  What a great way to feel more connected as a team at work.

Team Bonding At Work

This tip follows along nicely with yesterday’s tip of realizing that you are enough.  Today I want you to Create Gratitude Affirmations:  Saying affirmations helps us to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. We have beliefs about ourselves that, if we changed then, we would take more risks, overcome our self-imposed limitations and enjoy life more.  So write down positive affirmations about yourself, really believe them and be grateful for them.

Create Gratitude Affirmations

Use an object that can serve as a reminder to feel grateful when you see it – for example, you could put a small sign next to your desk that says “thank you”, or perhaps you can put a ‘welcome’ doormat at the front-door to remind you to be thankful of your home.

Gratitude Triggers

This exercise involves picturing what it would be like to lose some of the things that you take for granted – such as your senses, your home, and so on. Then, imagine that you get these things back and think about how grateful you would be for each of these things.

Things You Take For Granted

Begin the day thinking of all the things you are grateful for.If you think you won’t find the time, or that you will simply forget, perhaps you can tie your gratitude practice with your first cup of coffee in the morning. To develop a sense of gratitude, begin by reflecting on what you’re thankful for in regards to your coffee routine. Notice and appreciate:The warmth and texture of the cupThe smell of the coffeeTasting the first sip of coffeeEmbracing the beautiful morningCelebrate a new dayTake pleasure in the peace and quiet before the day officially begins.

Begin the day thinking of all the things you are grateful for. If you think you won’t find the time, or that you will simply forget, perhaps you can tie your gratitude practice with your first cup of coffee in the morning. To develop a sense of gratitude, begin by reflecting on what you’re thankful for in regards to your coffee routine. Notice and appreciate: The warmth and texture of the cup The smell of the coffee Tasting the first sip of coffee Embracing the beautiful morning Celebrate a new day Take pleasure in the peace and quiet before the day officially begins.

Morning Coffee Gratitude

Taking the time to write a card of thanks or appreciation can benefit both the writer and the recipient. While it is lovely to write and receive gratitude letters, what is even more special is to write a card. You can take the time to make a special card, using your favorite paper-craft materials or perhaps utilizing a template that can be found online. Decorate the card – enjoy the creative process! If you really are too busy to make a card, there are many commercially available thank-you cards that are lovely too.Write a simple but meaningful message in the card. It need not be lengthy or wordy, keep it to the point. Then, either send the card via the post or, even better, hand-deliver it. The recipient of the gratitude card will be so touched that you not only took the time to express your appreciation, but that you went to the effort to make a card.

Taking the time to write a card of thanks or appreciation can benefit both the writer and the recipient. While it is lovely to write and receive gratitude letters, what is even more special is to write a card. You can take the time to make a special card, using your favorite paper-craft materials or perhaps utilizing a template that can be found online. Decorate the card – enjoy the creative process! If you really are too busy to make a card, there are many commercially available thank-you cards that are lovely too. Write a simple but meaningful message in the card. It need not be lengthy or wordy, keep it to the point. Then, either send the card via the post or, even better, hand-deliver it. The recipient of the gratitude card will be so touched that you not only took the time to express your appreciation, but that you went to the effort to make a card.

Writing Gratitude Cards

Something as simple as a box can help in the practice of gratitude. Choose a box, and make it appealing by decorating it or adding other personal touches. If a box really isn’t your ‘thing’ perhaps you can write a list…use special paper. The idea is to make the box or list special. Keep the box or list somewhere where you can see it so that you can use it easily and also so you don’t forget about it when life gets busy! (Thornton, 2016). Put a pen and paper close by, too, so you’re all set up to make entries. Perhaps you could even put a special pen in the box itself.Then, record the good things that happen on small pieces of paper and either put the paper in your box, or write the good thing that has happened on your special paper (Thornton, 2016). Spend time regularly reflecting on whoever, or whatever, makes you feel appreciative and grateful (Thornton, 2016). Record the date on the piece of paper, and write about what you are grateful for that day – for example, perhaps you have had a pleasant surprise such as a gift, or maybe you accomplished one of your goals. It doesn’t have to be something significant – you may simply record a fun or memorable moment (Thornton, 2016).Then, choose a special day (such as New Year’s Eve, or your next birthday). Open your box, or sit down with your list, and read over all the great things that have happened over the year that you are truly grateful for (Thornton, 2016). This is an easy and fun activity that helps you to reflect on happy memories.

Something as simple as a box can help in the practice of gratitude. Choose a box, and make it appealing by decorating it or adding other personal touches. If a box really isn’t your ‘thing’ perhaps you can write a list…use special paper. The idea is to make the box or list special. Keep the box or list somewhere where you can see it so that you can use it easily and also so you don’t forget about it when life gets busy! (Thornton, 2016). Put a pen and paper close by, too, so you’re all set up to make entries. Perhaps you could even put a special pen in the box itself. Then, record the good things that happen on small pieces of paper and either put the paper in your box, or write the good thing that has happened on your special paper (Thornton, 2016). Spend time regularly reflecting on whoever, or whatever, makes you feel appreciative and grateful (Thornton, 2016). Record the date on the piece of paper, and write about what you are grateful for that day – for example, perhaps you have had a pleasant surprise such as a gift, or maybe you accomplished one of your goals. It doesn’t have to be something significant – you may simply record a fun or memorable moment (Thornton, 2016). Then, choose a special day (such as New Year’s Eve, or your next birthday). Open your box, or sit down with your list, and read over all the great things that have happened over the year that you are truly grateful for (Thornton, 2016). This is an easy and fun activity that helps you to reflect on happy memories.

Keeping A Gratitude Box

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