Category: Gratitude Challenge

Day 3 Gratitude Challenge

What things did you notice and appreciate yesterday? The first thing I noticed was the stillness as I walked my dog in the morning. There was no wind. If you live where I do, you understand what gift that is. I noticed the beautiful sky as I drove to work. I had an amazing soup and salad for lunch at MB Haskett. Listened to Condoleezza Rice discuss the current state of foreign affairs and the potential impact on markets. When you look for the little things, they are easier to find. At the end of the day I had a smile.

The challenge for today is to continue my smile. Smile all day long. Since it is Friday, and the weekend is upon us, this should be fairly easy. Smile as often as you can today. Walk into every room, including the bathroom with a smile. Sit at your desk and smile. If you’re talking on the phone, smile. See how your smile impacts people around you. Most will smile back. Some will wonder what you’re up to which might make smile more or laugh. And while you’re smiling, try to notice the little things and don’t complain!

Hopefully, when, reflecting on the day, you will find it was a good day. And you will smile again. Even my dog smiles!!

Day 2 – Gratitude Challenge

If I am being honest, the first day of this challenge is always hard. I have perfectionist tendencies. Towards that end, no complaining means just that. Did I make it through the entire day without complaining? No. I struggle with difficult customers/clients, other drivers, and traffic regulation systems.

While I wasn’t perfect, I interrupted the complaining before it became a derailer. Additionally, when people asked how things were, I responded “No complaints!”

A note of perfection. It is the lowest standard. It sets you up for failure because it is unattainable. Don’t strive for perfection, strive for excellence.

For Day 2, the challenge requires you to focus on the little things. There are so many things in life that we overlook, ignore, or disregard. Sometimes this is intentional but often it is not. For instance, do you have a reliable mode of transportation? Do you have a roof over your head? Clean water? Basic food? Notice a small thing about someone you care about. Take moments today to focus on the little things that you do have. Consider the benefits these little things provide. Make a list. Appreciate the list.

The picture at the top of this post is one of those little things. I took this picture while on vacation this summer. My wife and I were walking back to our hotel after a wonderful dinner. I looked up and saw this. What a beautiful view. It’s the little things. So today, look around and see the beauty

Day 1 Gratitude Challenge

“Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will – then your life will flow well.” -Epictetus

I borrowed this quote from the November 1st entry of The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living. I have enjoyed this book over the past couple of years. It offers short daily guides on stoicism and life.

The entry also sets the stage for Day 1 of the Gratitude Challenge. Often we spend much of our day hoping everything will go our way. Often it doesn’t go as planned. It’s easy to complain. It’s easy to whine. It’s easy to blame others. Yet, we ALWAYS have the choice to choose our attitude. So today, make the choice to not whine or complain. Do this all day.

When tempted by the negative, turn it into a positive. Use positive words over negative words. Thrive rather than survive. Be aware of your internal (and external) dialogue. Does this make a difference? Share your thoughts here, on Facebook, in your journal, with a friend.

Ultimately, work on feeling gratitude for what has happened to you. It made you who you are.

“Don’t be overheard complaining…Not even to yourself.”  

— Marcus Aurelius, 8.9

Mostly, I hope you have a great day.

Why Gratitude?

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

There is a lot bad and suffering in this world. There is little to nothing I can do about most of it. However, I can choose my attitude and response. Like many, my attitude and response is often less than ideal.

Over the next 30 days, I plan to post little gratitude challenges daily. Example – At least one day, I will challenge readers to pay it forward buy buying a stranger coffee or a meal. It might make you feel better and make the recipient feel even better. It would be wonderful if gratitude challenge participants posted about what they did so we can all share. Many find it helpful to to journal so write it down and see if your attitude improves.

Oh, and if the spirit moves you, hand out candy to complete strangers today.

The Week Ahead

I try to set aside time each Sunday to plan the upcoming week. This week, like most, is full of meetings and to-do lists. Halloween will soon be over and the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas steps it up. Personally, I am looking foward to A Biltmore Christmas debuting on November 26. I digress.

Since 2020, I have done a gratitude challenge in November. There is research that supports the benefits of gratitude. I have found no research that indicates gratitude causes harm. So, if you take the challenge, your worst outcome is you spend time being grateful. I have planned the first few days and will write every day in November.

Want to get started early? Write down three things you are grateful for today. Family? Food? Health? Write them down and think about them for a minute. Did you notice a change in your attitude?

Have a great week!

2022 Gratitude Challenge Wrap

After 31 days, the 2022 Gratitude Challenge has come to a close. This is the third time I have done this challenge. Each time, I learned more about myself. I am more aware of the importance of gratitude. I find myself complaining less (even during Viking games). I am more appreciative of what is going on around me. I shift my focus on what is and what I can control.

Yesterday, I saw a portion of an interview with Charlie Munger (at 3:30 of the clip). In the interview, Munger asserts that even with all the progress humans have made, we are less happy. Technology, medicine, and other improvements have made our lives easier but we are less happy. Why are we less happy? While some would argue it is greed, Munger argues it is because of envy. Humans often want what others have that they don’t.

I think Munger is on to something. We spend so much time obsessing about what we don’t have. We want the latest gadget. All sorts of lists tell us what the “Hottest Christmas” gift is this year. The anecdote to envy is gratitude. Be grateful for what have. When you focus on what you have, you will find you have an abundance. Have a great weekend.

Day 31 Gratitude Challenge Bonus Day

When doing a challenge like this every day, it is easy to miss gratitude opportunities. If you haven’t figured it out by now, there is much to be grateful for. I know I have not included important people, groups of people, things, or experiences in postings. This challenge could be a year and I would still miss a few things.

Yet, my gratitude challenge is not complete unless I talk about about the two young men who are my sons. I am so grateful for both of my sons. It has been a joy to watch them develop and grow into amazing human beings. My oldest graduated from college and earned a master’s degree in public policy. He is currently working in a job where he has the opportunity to shape the world around him for the better. He is married to an amazing woman. I get to see them in a couple of weeks and can’t wait. My youngest is in college. He is doing great. He has a wonderful group of friends, a vision for the future, and the drive to succeed. While I saw him over Thanksgiving break, it was too short. He will be home for Christmas break and it will be wonderful to have him home. The best will be when they are both home over Christmas.

If you have children (furry kind count), take time to be grateful for them. They grow up quickly and leave the house. Send them a note letting them know you are thinking about them.

Day 30 Gratitude Challenge

A few days ago, the Wall Street Journal had an article about the financial benefits of marriage. The data indicates that married couples have a higher net worth than couples who cohabitate. While there is no definitive explanation for this, there are some theories. You can read the article here. I have my own theory about this that I might share later.

I hope everyone has a person in their life they can count on no matter what. A person that picks you up when you are down. A person that cheers the loudest when you succeed. A person that listens to your concerns and helps you problem solve. A person that loves you unconditionally. A person who is a true partner in life.

I am fortunate to have such a person in my life. For over 20 years she has been my rock. I don’t know what I did to deserve such an amazing person as my wife. Today I am grateful for my best friend, travel partner, business partner, girlfriend, and wife. I can’t imagine what life would be like without you.

Today is the last day of the Gratitude Challenge. Have you noticed a change? More about that tomorrow.

Day 29 Gratitude Challenge

It is late November in the upper plains. This means cooler (cold) weather and shorter days. It also means snow. This morning I woke up to snow on the ground. While I am grateful for the beauty and moisture of the snowfall, this is not the focus of the post today.

Today I am thinking about my parents. I am thinking about the decisions and sacrifices they made to provide me with the opportunities I had. Not all are as fortunate as I am. The older I get, the more I realize this.

My parents made sure my basic needs were met. I never had to worry if there would be enough food or if we would have a home. I have always had an abundance of clothes (even if my parents would t buy the new Nike and instead purchased the Keds knockoff!😜)

After years of parenting through the Great Recession and the pandemic, I realize how challenging it must have been for my parents. Were they perfect? No. Did they make mistakes? Probably. However, they did the best they could with the tools they were given. In my opinion, they did a damn great old job. My faults and flaws are of my own making, not theirs. Unfortunately, my parents have passed and I can’t personally thank them for all they did. Perhaps you can take some time to think about your parents today. Think about the sacrifices they made for you. Did they attend your performances, concerts, recitals, games, and/or conferences? If so, they gave up something to be there. If your parents are still living, give them a call or write a letter. Let them know about the good things they did for you.

And one final thing, nothing screams “I love you” more than 70s fashion. The wide white belt and a turtleneck. Enjoy the picture.

Day 27 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday was a good day for at least two reasons. First, it was the annual “Gathering” of family of my wife’s side. As legend has it, the “Gathering” was started by my wife’s grandmother. It takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. When I first attended the gathering, it was hosted (on a rotating basis) by the siblings (children’s of wife’s grandma). In recent years, hosting duties descended to the cousins (we hosted last year). About 30 people (3 generations) gather for food (potluck style), laughter, stories, and a gift exchange. It is an amazing group of people with a wide variety of interests and talents. It has become a highlight of my year. I am grateful for family and kinship. I am grateful this group has welcomed me with open arms and accepted me as one of their own. I am so lucky to have become a part of this family. It was a great ti,e last night.

Second reason yesterday was good…Michigan beat Ohio State in football. I don’t measure my worth based on whether one of my favorite teams beats an arch rival BUT my day is definitely better when they do. I am grateful for spectacle that is college football. The excitement and energy of game day is amazing. Someday I hope to attend “The Game” in person.

Take some time today to be grateful for extended family. Reach out to a few and see how they are doing. As we move into holiday season, remember the importance of family and gratitude.