Gratitude In A Speaker’s Lifestyle Can Garner Success
The majority of empirical studies indicate that there is an association between gratitude and a sense of overall wellbeing. There are four areas where gratitude can impact a speaker’s success: resilience, physical well-being, creativity, and connections.
1. Resilience. There have been several studies that indicate gratitude can be a stress-reducer. It can also be a resiliency producer. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11. As a speaker, the recognition of what you are grateful for can provide a buffer when you receive a rejection. This buffer can help when your speaker proposal isn’t accepted. Additionally, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky, participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. Think about the speaker evaluation you received that gave you low marks! Thankfulness for your opportunities can foster resilience against negativity you may be facing.
2. Physical Well-Being. It has been well-publicized that sleep is an important component of good health and well-being. A 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being concluded that grateful people sleep better. Spending a few minutes in thankful reflection before going to sleep could help you sleep longer and improve the quality of your sleep. This may be helpful for speaking road warriors.
3. Creativity. Gratitude is considered a positive emotion. According to Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D. author of the book, “Positivity”, “positivity opens your mind and expands your range of vision.” This results in our ability to generate more creative ideas and better solutions for our clients. Remember, organizations don’t hire speakers – they hire solutions to problems!
4. Connections. Gratitude enhances empathy. People who practice gratitude are more likely to behave in a more social manner. A 2014 study published in Emotion found that thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. Do you travel with thank-you notes ready to write and send? You could send them to meeting planners or others who have helped you secure your speaking engagements. Gratitude and acknowledging other’s contributions to your success may lead you to new opportunities.
Overall, gratitude enables us to be more resilient, improves our health, boosts creativity, and increases our connections. What are you grateful for as we enter this holiday season?
Great article and reminder to everyone. I am actually grateful for the way in which I see the world – with gratitude. It truly changes everything. It may take practice and even feel forced at first. Eventually it just becomes who you are and how you view the world; and then how the world views you in return.