Yes, the whole idea of leveraging gratitude sounds rather contradictory, isn't gratitude supposed to be a virtue practiced for its own sake? Probably so, but sometimes it helps to know that the things you do to help the world actually help you back. And gratitude is one of those things. It's a tad early for Thanksgiving Day, but why not take advantage and practice extreme gratitude during the whole month of November? Here's how you can tap into this precious energy of gratitude:

One more thing! Those of you who are U.S. citizens and who have travelled or lived abroad, know what it's like to have to defend our country verbally. Americans abroad get asked things like, "Why does your president like killing innocent people?" "Why do you think you're better than everyone else?" and more recently, "Why is your country distroying our planet?" Yes, it's lots of fun to takle these questions! However, those who really know our national soul, know that we take one day off each year (and that's for a nation of precious little vacation time!) and give thanks! That makes me proud!

But I digress.

Here's the thing about gratitude. Research unequivocally supports the relationship between expression of gratitude and feelings of happiness. That's because gratitude forces you to direct your attention to what is working in your life, instead of dwelling on your problems. You're always going to have both blessings and problems, it's how you direct your energy that makes the difference in the quality of your communication, and of your life.

9+ Ways to Leverage Gratitude:

1. Realize that gratitude brings you to the present moment. 

Being present lowers your stress level and makes you more accessible to others. At the same time, with no effort.

2. Gratitude for your audience displaces (largely), nervousness about speaking to this

group.

If you're present with your audience, you don't have to worry about feeling confidence. You simply share what is important to you with them.

3. Gratitude for your clients builds your business.

My daughters and I were recently overlooked for a follow-up visit to our dentist. That means when it was time for our 6-month check-up, we got no call, no postcard, no email (except an invitation to "like" them on Facebook.) He is a fine dental technician and we have been using his services ever since we moved to Charleston, but the feeling that someone who is making good money off of you, really doesn't give a rip, is not pleasant. I discussed this issue with my dad, who's a periodontist. He blamed the front office people (not the dentist) and said I should take responsibility for my family's dental care and call them to make an appointment. That's fine, but doesn't it irk you to give your business to a place where it's not appreciated? Or is this treatment the new normal in healthcare? (Please share your 2 cents by commenting below!)

In any case, Mixonian Institute is EXTREMELY grateful to all our clients and readers. Thank you!

4. Gratitude shifts your energy to a higher level. 

Higher energy attracts people and experiences of a similar level to you. (The birds of a feather syndrome.) HIgh energy is magnetic! 

5. Gratitude puts you in the frame of mind to take more action.

This is related to #5. More actions = more results = more learning = more success.

6. Gratitude improves employee morale. 

You may already know this but the most likely reason a person quits the job is not feeling appreciated. Studies show that employees value feeling appreciated more than higher salaries. A pay raise is one way to show gratitude but there are many others that cost less money.

7. Gratitude improves employee productivity.

See # 1, 4, 5 and 6. 

8. Gratitude extends the length of your life.

And it's free! 

9. Gratitude is fun.

Get together with your family or your work team and compose a long list, maybe of 100 items, for which you are grateful. It's a huge energy-shifter and morale lifter!

Bonus from Indranis Light Foundation on Facebook: She suggests writing a note, a real one on paper, to a different person each day during the month of November. Express your gratitude to the person in the note and see what happens!

Some of you pray for the dead on November 2 (All Souls Day.) Take some time to express gratitude for loved ones who have passed on to the next life.

What sayeth thou? We'd be grateful if you would comment below!