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Tip 97 – Be Grateful
I do try to consciously practice gratitude every day, but certainly Thanksgiving is a reminder to us all. I recall driving up to Santa Barbara to meet some friends for the holiday one year and just scrolling through my cell phone and dialing people to say how grateful I was at that very moment for their presence in my life. How truly blessed I am, for so many different reasons, for the moments these people, like my writing partner Tahl Raz, walked into my life. The more people I called, the better I felt about myself and the world... To get complete, future tips of the week by e-mail, click here to subscribe. Also, feel free to join the conversation around this tip by posting a comment below.
Posted by Keith Ferrazzi on November 20, 2007 | Permalink
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Comments
This is a great idea -- thanks for sharing it with us. I was trying to think of practical ways to increase my gratitude, and this helps. And besides increasing your gratitude, it is just a great way to stay in touch with your circle.
Posted by: Steve C Wilson | Nov 20, 2007 10:33:27 PM
I try to send out at least one thank you note a week to someone for just being in my life...the hard part is picking just one and often I send out a bunch!
Posted by: Mary Richmond | Nov 21, 2007 3:53:40 AM
Keith, I am grateful for many people.. .
and I wanted to say that I'm grateful for your book NEA.
Reading the book reminded me that the way I network (like You) isn't weird... or excessive. I got affirmation that my natural generosity and curiousness about people is OK. And, that giving and THEN getting is what works for me... and that's really all that's important -- being me and my style.
Have a loverly Thanksgiving.
From A Canadian Fan,
Lyle Lachmuth
Posted by: Lyle Lachmuth - The Unsticking Coach | Nov 21, 2007 5:58:07 AM
Our products and services may be different, but we can each stand out in the minds of those we serve through our expressions of sincere gratitude. Consider closing your letters and notes with "Gratefully Yours". Thanks Keith for this reminder.
Posted by: Brad Reiners | Nov 21, 2007 8:15:10 AM
Thank you Keith
Posted by: Sanjay | Nov 21, 2007 8:15:24 AM
Great tip Keith. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Raza Imam
www.software-sweatshop.com
Posted by: Raza Imam | Nov 21, 2007 8:16:09 AM
Gratitude is a wonderful gift for yourself as well as the one you are showing gratitude towards. Life is WAY too short not to do this. Live Large!
Posted by: Sue Kerr | Nov 21, 2007 8:21:29 AM
Thanks for reminding us to be grateful. It's a powerful tool in life and and brings us more blessings! Thank you for all that you do Keith.
Posted by: Torkel Patterson | Nov 21, 2007 8:28:52 AM
Posted by: Callahan McDonough, LCSW | Nov 21, 2007 8:58:12 AM
Thank you for showing how to keep things personal. One of the best practices I have learned from my business leader and friend is to keep a gratitude journal and write down five things for which we are grateful for each night and review it weekly. It doesn't matter how small or seemingly insignificant it might look. It's all about living and serving in gratitude. At the start of each month, we also select clients to hand write thank you cards. That's a small thing for appreciating clients who are spending their money towards our business.
Posted by: Nadine Rothermel | Nov 21, 2007 9:09:49 AM
Thank you Keith. Yes indeed, this is the best time of the year. Best time to "Thank" those we don't thank often enough for coming into our lives....
Posted by: Edna Hinojosa | Nov 21, 2007 9:12:49 AM
Hello All,
I acutally did this yesterday! It is a beautiful life and a wonderful way to share the blessings of the moment! I wish you all a beautiful time of Thanksgivng, filled with devotion to the Giver of All. May our light shine forever, on the sanctuary of our devotion, and may we be able to awake thy love in all hearts! Om Shanti Amen
Posted by: Amy Cubillo | Nov 21, 2007 9:16:28 AM
Kieth, Love the book and thanks for all the great knowledge and insight. We have implemented many of the ideas and its had a great impact on our company and our employees.
Thanks for all you do!
John Sable
Posted by: John | Nov 21, 2007 9:31:47 AM
Gratitude is life transforming. It is VERY powerful stuff. Anyone who wants to step into the power of gratitude and reclaim their joy and success will benefit from reading this:
http://www.lifeistheprize.com/?p=22#comments
Posted by: Coach Justice | Nov 21, 2007 9:53:09 AM
I find that practicing gratitude not only makes me feel more connected to everyone I care about, but it helps me to be open to new opportunities and in fact manifest more wonderful things into my life.
I, too, am so grateful for Keith's book. It was one of the first business books recommended to me when I started my business, and it made a huge impact on how I thought about networking. I loved being able to move through the world in a spirit of generosity and relationship-creation. I believe the teachings of that book are a large part of the reason why I'm already successful in less than a year of full-time work.
Posted by: Rachel Whalley | Nov 21, 2007 9:57:49 AM
Thanks for the great idea. It's not that I don't think about the people and relationships that I am grateful for.....I do all the time. I just seldom act on those thoughts with something tangible like a phone call or card. Today is a new day and a new opportunity to WOW my "peeps." :-)
Posted by: Darcy Rose | Nov 21, 2007 10:01:30 AM
Keith,
Your words have provided incredible inspiration during probably the most tumultuous year of my life. From one Midwestern kid to another, thanks for such a great road map on how to connect to others.
Posted by: Nash Ream | Nov 21, 2007 10:10:35 AM
I totally agree with your Gratitude post, it's a perfect example of what goes around comes around........ Ain't technology neat, bering able to connect with people all over the world. I'm so grateful for everything
Cheers from a bright summers morning in rural New Zealand
Posted by: Jimu | Nov 21, 2007 10:20:43 AM
Keith:
Thank you for your contributions to all of us. I just saw Zig Ziglar last week and he discussed his 'Wall of Gratitude'.
He has a wall in his office with pictures of people from throughout his life that have meant so much to him and his personal development. Another great idea!
I've begun my own personal 'Wall of Gratitude' and will also be calling those who have especially impacted my life in a positive way, thanks to your suggestion!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!
Posted by: Tom Anderson | Nov 21, 2007 10:36:12 AM
NEVER EAT ALONE is so appropriate a title to consider on the eve of this Thanksgiving.
I am grateful that I can share and contribute
and pledge to help others do the same.
Posted by: Jim Coe | Nov 21, 2007 1:30:11 PM
Keith,
This is so true. I have traveled all the way back to Oklahoma for my family and friends. I wanted to show them my gratitude in other ways then a phone call or email. I just made dinner for all and i'll see all of my buddies tonight at the bar. I will let them know how grateful it is to have them still in my life.
thanks for the quick tip.
Jackson
Posted by: Jackson | Nov 21, 2007 2:07:59 PM
Yes, great reminder. Just saying "thank you" often and to various people will make you and others feel good. In order to connect with many people, you need have a positive attitude and show appreciation. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | Nov 21, 2007 6:54:52 PM
Thank you for "keeping it real" in NEA. The honest examples used from your background are touching. - Your enthusiasm is contagious.
Posted by: Natalie Johnson | Nov 22, 2007 6:05:29 AM
I followed your lead Keith and made about 15-17 calls yesterday afternoon before I left the office just wishing friends/co-workers/referral contacts a Happy Thanksgiving and thanking them for their contribution to my life. WHAT A TREMENDOUS EXPERIENCE! Those that I reached were genuinely touched and said as much...of the messages I left, several called back with likewise wishes, a couple emailed and several others texted me. I really appreciate being a part of the FerrazziGreenlight family and the Never Eat Aloners. Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Richard French | Nov 22, 2007 6:28:16 PM
Thanks for being a catalyst for gratitude, Keith!
My wife Kristin and I have four primary qualities we want to instill in our children, one of which is that they be grateful people.
I've often suggested that we cancel Christmas every other year and simply focus on Thanksgiving. No one else is buying that idea! But gratitude is a quality we need to keep pushing to the surface at home, work, where ever. Keep it going!
Posted by: Daren Wride | Nov 24, 2007 5:44:31 PM
