So recently I wrote a newsletter about how I was so proud of my daughter’s recent emotional growth even though she’s only a teenager. Watching her over the past few week’s I’ve become even more proud of her.
My daughter's passion for tennis led her to seek out a new coach, someone who could help her take her game to the next level. Little did she know that this decision would not only improve her tennis skills but also reshape her entire mindset.
With her new tennis coach, she experienced a profound shift in language and mindset. One powerful tool that my daughter discovered on her journey was the practice of gratitude. This was a daily homework that her coach set for her that she was required to send him for accountability. Every day, she would reflect on three things she was grateful for. This simple exercise helped her shift her focus from the negative to the positive. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, she celebrated what went well that day and looked forward to exciting things on the horizon.
Afterall our natural tendency is to be "velcroed" to the negative. We often get stuck in a loop of negative thoughts and emotions, which can hold us back from reaching our full potential. After doing this for a few days I noticed my daughter would recognise when a negative thought arose and consciously decide whether it would help or hinder her progress in life.
The transformation in my daughter's language and mindset was remarkable. She no longer fused with negative thoughts, allowing them to spiral out of control. Instead, she chose to focus on thoughts that uplifted and empowered her. This shift had a profound impact on her everyday life, enabling her to navigate challenges with resilience and grace.
But the journey didn't end there. Not only was she to send through the gratitude but her coach would also provide feedback, a tool many of us have come across throughout our lives. As she progressed in her training, her coach provided valuable insights and reinforcement for her mindset and achievements. This feedback served as a powerful reminder for my daughter to appreciate her growth and accomplishments. Often, we can be too close to our own achievements to fully appreciate their significance. The feedback from others acts as a mirror, reflecting our progress and affirming our journey.
Gratitude goes beyond personal growth and can also benefit leaders in any field. When leaders cultivate a grateful mindset, they create an environment that fosters collaboration, productivity, and innovation. Grateful leaders are more likely to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of their team members, creating a positive and supportive work culture.
Expressing gratitude as a leader can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and inspire loyalty among team members. When leaders recognise and celebrate the contributions of their team, it fosters a sense of belonging and encourages individuals to go above and beyond in their roles. Gratitude also helps leaders maintain perspective during challenging times, allowing them to approach obstacles with a solution-oriented mindset.
By embracing gratitude and becoming a witness to our thoughts, we unlock our true potential as leaders. Let us celebrate our achievements, both big and small, and embrace the power of gratitude to create a work environment where everyone can thrive.
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