Everyone will agree that a positive attitude is one that is essential for peak performance living. One of the key parts to a positive attitude that I outlined in 9 Keys to Overcoming Difficult Times is an attitude that allows us to acknowledge what is already going well in our lives and appreciate them for their value. I’m talking of course, about the attitude of gratitude.
I was admonished by a friend once; she said that even though I live a relatively blessed life, I kept focusing on the negatives in my life, making me feel like my life wasn’t going well at all. And because of feeling negative and less than, it hindered my forward focus and thus the results in my life. I had to admit, it was true. How many people do we all know that are in a fantastic situation somewhere in their life, maybe they were born wealthy, or have a interesting job, or in a loving relationship, but all we hear from them are complaints over and over again about how miserable they are, and they never seem to appreciate just what they have instead of missing what they don’t?
Conversely, we all know of people who don’t have a lot, but are constantly cheerful about life, and if asked, can probably tell you loads of things they are thankful for in their lives at a drop.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I feel that a constant sense of well-being and cheerfulness is quite desirable 
So how do we cultivate an attitude of gratitude? We start everyday. For the next 7 days I’m going to be posting everyday about something I’m grateful about that’s happened that day. Wherever and whenever you are, when you read the 7 days of Gratitude posts, I encourage you to add a comment of your own about what you’ve grateful about that day.
Even better, I encourage you to join me in this 7 day challenge!
Sound interesting?
February 8th, 2006 at 5:36 am
What a great idea. Thanks for writing. I wrote a little on a similar topic here, if you’re interested:
On the power of saying “Thank you”
http://ideamatt.blogspot.com/2005/12/on-power-of-saying-thank-you.html
February 8th, 2006 at 10:02 am
Not just an “attitude of gratitude” Alvin, you are beginning to explore the altitude you can get to and the latitude it can reach.
It’s a big shift on your part my friend. Counting your blessings and appreciating having them coming your way.
Just so apt that in my coaching practice, I’m purporting the attitude of attracting what you want more than just going for goals.
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to posts along this thread.
February 8th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
Ah… gratitude. Sometimes we forget. I captured it in this little poem I wrote some time back.
http://www.stuart-tan.com/2005_08_31_stuart-tan_archive.html
February 8th, 2006 at 5:31 pm
My commitment to LifeCoachesBlog.com is located on this link
February 8th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
Gratitude. Really a subject close to my heart, as I am extremely grateful for many things and people around, for without their unconditional help and support, I guess things won’t be the same.
What a timely topic to write on now Alvin. Will keep my eyes peeled for the next 7 days, and beyond! Cheerios ^o^
February 8th, 2006 at 11:35 pm
Thanks Stuart! Wow…3 weeks! I wonder what you have up your sleeve…eek!
Kloudiia, I invite you and everyone else who’s reading this and intending to follow the next 7 days not to just read passively, but to participate in this challenge together with me and so really reap the benefits in a change of psychology through experience, and not just knowledge.
February 9th, 2006 at 2:16 am
Alvin, of course I am going to spam 500 Million emails all over the world with LifeCoachesBlog.Com emails to help you to get sub 50,000 on your Alexa rankings!
*evil laughter*
February 9th, 2006 at 10:18 am
Gee, thanks…
December 18th, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Hello, i love lifecoachesblog.com! Let me in, please
July 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am
And also, positive attitude would bring us to the success we are desiring to achieve.
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is kinda hard but in my simple way I start off by thinking what could be the beautiful things I can do for the day.