This week we are going to kick off a new series inspired by the “secrets” I’ve learned throughout my life.  When I say secrets, I don’t mean some entirely unknown revelation.  Instead, I mean something that is often in front of us that we don’t see or lose sight of.  This week’s secret is about the power of showing gratitude to others.

Pretend for a moment that you go to Bob’s house.  When you get to Bob’s house you do 100 things for Bob, and he never shows any appreciation.  Now, you go to Joe’s house.  You do 100 things for Joe, and he shows you appreciation.  Joe doesn’t give you more money than Bob or anything, Joe ensures that you know he appreciates you and that he’s grateful for you.  The next day, you have the choice to help Bob or Joe.  Who do you help?  I’m guessing you help Joe, because Joe appreciates you.

You might see where this is going.  Every day you go to work.  At work you do hundreds of things for different people.  How many of those people ever show their gratitude?  What’s it like when you work with people who don’t show gratitude?  What’s it like when you work with people who do?  Gratitude goes a long way with me, because gratitude is one of those things that remind us we are humans and not just cogs in a wheel.  If you show me that you appreciate me, I will go out of my way to help you, even if you aren’t my boss or someone else who has “power” over me.

The secret I’ve learned is how powerful showing gratitude can be.  It transforms the people you work with and it transforms the relationships you have with them.  It makes those relationships stronger, so you can have real conversations with each other out of love.  It makes those relationships stronger, so when you lean on the other person they hold you up.  It’s not only good for the other person and the relationship, but showing gratitude is good for you too.  Showing gratitude makes you realize how lucky and blessed you are to have the people you have in your life, and it keeps you centered and focused on the right things.

The challenge: Do you know the power of showing gratitude?  Reach out and show some appreciation to 5 people today.

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry