How to appreciate your way to a healthier you isn’t easy this year. 2020 has been a challenging year for many. I’m one of the luckier ones. Life is good, but that’s how I choose to see it. We all have a choice in how we look at the world. More than 2000 years ago, the first-century Greek philosopher Epictetus said it’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” He may have been onto something.
What Side of the Fence Do You Stand On?
- When’s the last time you took a moment to reflect on the things you appreciate at home and work?
- Do you spend more time complaining about what you don’t have or being thankful for what you have?
- Do you share recognition and gratitude, or do you spend more time and energy offering criticism, disapproval, or condemnation?
Ultimately, when we vent, we’re admitting to being powerless and ineffectual. This negatively affects our mental state, stress levels, and general health.
“We all complain many times a day to our families, friends, co-workers, customer service representatives, and even strangers in the elevator. But what many of us don’t realize is that how we voice our complaints can have huge implications for our mental health.”
What’s Your Complaint?
Problem-solving
While complaining only to vent may damage our mental health, complaining to problem-solve can be the opposite. For example, my wife called the customer service department about a credit card we use. She’d missed paying off the monthly total by 22 cents. The provider charged us $39 in interest. My wife began her problem-solving call by calmly stating that since we didn’t pay the entire amount the company was justified for charging the interest. She went on to explain how much we appreciated their service and our loyalty to the provider.
My wife’s problem-solving complaint resulted in the charge being removed. How do you think my wife felt about that? Complaining to problem-solve can be good for your outlook, mental health, and overall well-being.
Is the opposite true? If venting affects our health in a bad way, does appreciation affect it positively? Yes. Suite 101 shared this about the healing effects of gratitude, “The healing effects of gratitude can be seen in the form of healthier relationships, increased financial abundance, blossoming careers, and improved health.”
How to Appreciate Your Way to a Healthier You
Project Appreciation
Are you a complainer? Do you appreciate the good things and people around you as much as you should? If not, here’s your action plan for change: Every day, for the next 21 days, use one of these sentences and live by them.
Appreciation Sentences
- Thank you, I want you to know I don’t take what you do for granted.
- What I most appreciate about you is __________.
- My favorite thing in the world is __________.
- What I most appreciate about myself today is _________.
- What I most like about _______ is __________.
- Do you know how much what you do means to me?
- I couldn’t have done it without you.
Only 21 days, one sentence each day, real and from the heart. Are you ready to appreciate your way to a healthier you? I’m in — how about you?
How Can I Help You?
I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me.
Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.
Photo by MARK ADRIANE on Unsplash
