5 Reasons Why Being Grateful is the Best Career Strategy
We all want more – more money, more passion, more clarity, more leads, and more opportunities… yes including me. The web is full of all sort of tips to actually do this and achieve more.
But while we twirl our mustaches and rub our hands together, imagining all the ways we can get fun stuff for ourselves, it’s time to acknowledge one of the best ways to attract and hunt down opportunity:
It’s time to start being grateful for what we have already.
Wait, hang on, I’m not going to make this a hallmark moment; actually, the opposite.
This is about getting all the best for yourself – and only the best. Being grateful for what you have is like having your own awesome, “money, passion, position, experiences”-seeking missile made to nail opportunity to the ground, and this is why:
1. You’ll Know Where to Start
When you stop and take stock of what you already have, you can assess why it’s so good for you. For example, let’s say you’re super grateful for your Facebook page. Why? Because it gives you a sense of community. Why? Because you can talk to people who understand you. Why? Because you can benefit from their insights and experiences to improve your quest for success.
Boom.
Now you have solid intel to help you move forward. What opportunity do you need to hunt down now? Being grateful just narrowed down your opportunity-hunting search criteria by a couple thousand points.
2. You’ll Know What to Stay Away From
I have a pair of shoes I really, really love. I’m super grateful for them because they’re comfy, fashionable, and came at a good price. So if I’m really happy to have them, when I go looking for another pair, I’m looking for ones like mine. Are these boots cute and inexpensive, but super uncomfortable? Now I know I don’t want them. The same applies to opportunities.
If you love your current job/business because it gives you mobility, good wages, and interesting work, then when the opportunity for a killer job comes along that pays double, has really interesting work, but wants to stick you in nine-to-five office hours at a fixed location with fewer vacation days… guess what? There’s a big button labeled “reject,” and you’re going to be smashing it.
3. You’ll Know What Opportunities You Really Don’t Need
Maybe you’re the over-achieving type like me who wants to grab every single opportunity that flies my way because, “I gotta get it before it leaves!” But this can lead to you feeling over-booked, bogged down, and, honestly? In need of naps that last eight hours.
An opportunity may be a great thing, but that doesn’t always mean it’s great for you. By being grateful for what you have, you can assess what you don’t actually need.
You just got the most awesome job offer, but are you happy with the job you already have? Then turn it down; there’s no need to work double hours or adjust to a new atmosphere if you don’t really need it. Are you happy with the apartment you’re renting? Then you don’t have to move to a new one just because it’s in a pretty area.
4. It Gives You Confidence
Being content is pretty sexy.
I’m not saying be complacent, such as sitting in one spot and never moving beyond it.
I’m talking about being happy with what you have already. Being happy means being at peace, and being at peace means having confidence. Think of it this way: if you’re desperate to have a new job, you’re going to be really stressed about the job hunt. If you absolutely have to close a deal, you’re going to be poor conversation at the water cooler. Your confidence will be shot and you’ll be preoccupied mentally.
On the flipside? Being content means keeping your eyes open and carrying yourself differently. You’ll see the opportunities as they come and you’ll be the balanced, sensible choice to those offering the prizes.
5. Most importantly – the law of attraction
Ever heard of “time flies fast when you’re having fun?” That’s because your mind, rather than focusing on just the immediate, focuses on many things at once. This boosts your mood, which ultimately leads to your happiness.
And it gets even better!
The ability to broaden your perspective will allow you to spot those spur of the moment opportunities and take advantage of them. It’ll allow you to be creative in your approach and come with up new, on-demand, and highly useful ideas. We all have bad days and frustrating moments – but it’s vital to force yourself into a positive frame of mind to help us snap out of it and attract better opportunities.
