The Gratitude Platitude

Blog Update

Positive Psychology• Gratitude studies is a part of a field of psychology

called positive psychology.

• This field is more focused on what’s right with humans, rather than what’s wrong.

• This is Martin Seligman

• He’s called the fatherof positive psychology.

Studies• Seligman studied a lot about well-being. • What he found was that practicing gratitude was

the most effective way to increase happiness and well-being.

• Gratitude was the only treatment that had effects lasting longer than a week.

Gratitude’s Influence• Gratitude increases alertness and feelings of

calmness. • Feelings of gratitude also influence the Vagus nerve

which regulates many of our bodily functions.

• This nerve activation and state switch releases Oxytocin, which creates feelings of trust and love.

Alert or Anxious• Gratitude activatesthe parasympatheticnervous system.

• This calms ourfight or flight response. And relaxes us.

What is Gratitude?• Gratitude has many definitions.

• The simplest way to put it is “being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen.”

The Platitude• A platitude is defined as “a remark or statement

especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.”

• The idea of “being grateful” has become a platitude.

Practicing Gratitude• Everyone always says “be grateful” but there’s

little explanation of how to be grateful.

• Many people understand the concept of gratitude, but have never experienced the benefits.

• This is why they don’t practice gratitude and reap the rewards.

• Let’s look at some ways to practice being grateful.

Practicing Gratitude• Note: I say practice because gratitude is not a switch

you can turn on or off. It takes practice and mastery. Being grateful is a skill.

• You have to retrain your mind to search for positives instead of negatives.

• You have to be grateful for challenges rather than discouraged by problems.

• Consciously choosing this viewpoint will eventually retrain your subconscious to think the same way.

How to practice:• Write down 10 things each morning you are

grateful for. o Focus on the little things. o Take a moment to really appreciate each one of these daily gratitudes

for the influence it has had in your life.

• When an unexpected, negative situation arises look for three positives. Say: o This is good because _______________________o This is great because _______________________o This is wonderful because ______________________

Thanks! • I’m grateful for you, my readers.

• To get more positive, grounded thoughts on all aspects of life, business and networking visit:

UnleashedGrowth.com