Many of us have a general understanding that feeling thankful is considered “good.” From a young age, we’re encouraged to appreciate what we possess; our parents instill in us the importance of saying “please” and “thank you.”
However, as we age, showing gratitude seems to happen less frequently. A 35-year-old isn’t likely to be scolded for neglecting to express thanks, and it might even appear that there’s less to appreciate overall. When one’s day is consumed by traffic snarls, or a promising deal goes south, it’s challenging to identify the positives amid the negatives.
“We excel at detailing what bothers us, the wrongs in our lives, and our mistakes,” Ricky Mendez remarks with a chuckle. “We are so adept at recounting these tales that our minds easily overlook the abundance of amazing things surrounding us.”
Mendez, regarded as an implementational speaker, leads workshops that guide both individuals and organizations toward enhancing their impact. He identifies himself as a “gratitude advocate” and frequently emphasizes how gratitude can be a pathway to success across various facets of our lives.
For instance, did you realize that gratitude extends beyond moral benefits? Studies indicate that feelings of gratitude are linked to improved physical and mental well-being, such as lower blood pressure and heart rate, and potentially better sleep quality. Additional research shows that gratitude fosters stronger relationships and that managers who express thanks to their teams can inspire increased motivation among employees.
While it’s one thing to acknowledge the benefits of gratitude, learning how to cultivate it is another challenge altogether. Mendez recognizes that negativity and pessimism are persistent parts of life—“which is beneficial, as it strengthens us,” he states. “It develops mental toughness. It creates resilience.” Intriguingly, Mendez often starts with the negatives when encouraging people to embrace gratitude—prompting them to reflect on their sources of anger or frustration and then identifying what self-help writer Napoleon Hill dubbed the “seed of equivalent benefit.”
Were you delayed in traffic on your commute home? Remember, you were fortunate enough not to be caught in the accident causing the backup. Did a deal collapse? View it as a valuable lesson! You now have the opportunity to assess what transpired and ensure you don’t encounter the same situation again.
Mendez articulates, “I can descend into a negative, pessimistic mindset or choose to navigate a positive, empowered perspective.” Acquiring the latter mindset requires practice, yet this approach can profoundly affect how one thinks, acts, and accomplishes goals, both personally and professionally.
Whether as an employee or a manager, adopting a more gratitude-driven and optimistic approach can attract like-minded positive individuals into your environment, ultimately transforming your workplace into a more empowering and gratifying atmosphere. When you radiate positivity and gratitude, you tend to draw in others who share that same vibrant energy.
“I find myself distanced from the perpetually negative individuals I once associated with,” Mendez reflects. “I wish them the best; I don’t form judgments—it’s simply not the path I’m choosing.” Embracing gratitude and optimism can similarly manifest as confidence and self-assurance, and bringing that vigor into your workplace often connects you with others who embody positivity, empowerment, and aspirations for success.
Gratitude can significantly benefit entrepreneurs, who understand the complexities of running a sustainable and impactful business, by preventing negative emotions from hindering progress. Mendez states that if one can transform a negative situation into a positive outlook, they can evade a downward spiral of self-doubt and quickly refocus on what truly matters. Thus, avoiding the traps of negativity serves as an efficient time-management strategy.
Mendez advocates for incorporating gratitude on a daily basis—not merely reflecting on it once and then forgetting about it. “Many people think that the universe rewards volume,” he remarks.
He often encounters individuals who return home, spend countless hours crafting a gratitude poem, and share it widely on social media, only to never revisit what gratitude means. “The universe doesn’t reward volume,” Mendez clarifies. “It rewards consistency.”
If you dedicate just 40 seconds each day to consciously acknowledge what you’re thankful for and identify those seeds of equivalent benefits, Mendez assures you will experience a more profound, lasting impact. Eventually, gratitude will start to feel like a natural response—effectively rewiring your brain to seek positives with less effort.
Indeed, it’s easier to maintain a positive attitude when everything is going smoothly. The real challenge lies in learning how to practice gratitude when faced with adverse situations and training your mind to find corresponding positives amidst every negative.
This is certainly achievable. Mendez often describes his bright disposition and contagious optimism as prompting those around him to smile and remark, “Oh, that’s just Ricky; he’s always like that.” However, his success and positivity in his speaking endeavors stem from his deliberate efforts to embrace gratitude in his daily life.
“I make it a conscious effort. Every single day,” Mendez emphasizes. “It’s akin to developing any skill for your profession or any activity people engage in… It’s a skill set we often overlook.”
