If gratitude makes you yawn then come with me :- )

If you want to get excited about life,  gratitude is your key. Let’s go deeper.

This is part 7 of a 7-part series: Things Happy People Do.

Today is Key #7

…possibly the most powerful of all.

3 Simple Steps to Get Excited About Life – see later in this article.

Key #7:

Happy People Are Grateful for What They’ve Got

Whatever You Focus on Becomes Greater

Focus on what you “don’t have” and you make a huge HOLE in your life.

Focus on what you “do have” and you get even more of that… and then more fabulous stuff gets heaped on top.

It has to do with flow. “Don’t have” blocks the flow, “I love what I already have” keeps it going.

Gratitude has a magical way of moving you deeper into the fabulous. (note: striving for magnificent goals is a focus on becoming greater and not on obstacles. An important but different piece of this puzzle.)

Once you’ve got the gratitude habit, trust me your list grows… it becomes infinite.

“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.”

Earl Nightingale (Motivational speaker – on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. 1921 – 1989)

When did you last acknowledge that you can walk or see or hear? Hoping of course you can do all three.

Seldom do we contemplate these monumental blessings. Just ask someone who can’t. Don’t let these blessings fade into the background.

Is Your Happiness Part of the Background?

The reason gratitude is a challenge is this background thing. Beauty is in the detail. Those smallest aspects of life are overlooked yet so vital to our enjoyment of life.

Stay with me. Let’s take another one of our precious senses.

TASTE – one of my favorite “background beauties”.

A friend of mine lost her sense of taste, and she’s often on my mind because of this. It had never occurred to me not to taste a juicy, sweet orange, my favorite chocolate… luscious and delectable or my rich full-bodied red wine.

Hard to imagine. Taste is underestimated.

And this: Do you value your husband, wife, partner in your life? If so, appreciate them every day. I mean really hone in on it every day. Make each day count. You wouldn’t want to wish you had, once they’re gone.

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

Frederick Keonig (German inventor best known for his high-speed printing press. 1774 – 1833)

I’m Happy… I’m Big on Gratitude

Every day I focus on gratitude before I focus on my goals. I contemplate and acknowledge how fortunate I am. I’m also fortunate to have written a book I’m proud of, one that is getting magnificent reviews, and awards. It gives me more opportunity to live and write about my passion – sharing with others how to be excited about life. And connect with so many inspiring people across the world.

My gratitude attitude has moved me into a life I love.

Take Yourself into a Life You Love

We live in an age of incredible opportunity. A formal qualification is not a requirement to get what you want. Please remember that. The question is “Do you want to?” and “Are you willing to put in a little effort to get what you want?” There is a lot of hardship in the world, but opportunities abound for all who are interested and willing.

How Does Gratitude Help You?

Appreciation makes you euphorically happy. As a child I loved pencil crayons, my favorite being the Colleen brand of crayons but crayons were expensive then and not freely handed out as they are now.

When I eventually received my own set of Colleen pencil crayons at about age 10, I was beyond delighted. Ecstatic! Not only did I relish the feel of coloring with them, I also carefully sharpened them and ordered them according to color. (trying to get order into my life perhaps : -) You’ve no idea my joy at seeing this picture. I’m thrilled to say the packaging is still the same !

“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.”

 Aesop (A Greek writer credited with a number of fables – Aesop’s Fables)

Rarely do I see a child (in a Western country) go ape over crayons today or even enjoy sharpening and arranging them. A little sad for our kids. Things have changed quickly. We must evolve but not go south. Even more concerning is that the replacement toy – video games – doesn’t give any kind of satisfaction – it increases children’s anxiety, impatience and aggression.

I know this first-hand from my own young children, who started to change personality and so no longer “play” video games. It fuels displeasure – nothing “happy” about that. That’s another issue I may soon write about.

For the most part we, adults and children alike, rarely appreciate anything anymore, we just want more. We have no appreciation.

So we lose that opportunity for happiness.

How to Become More Aware

“Miracles happen everyday, change your perception of what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you.”

Jon Bon Jovi

Sitting right before you – waiting to be discovered – is your fabulous life.

By focusing on the everyday things in your life you start to build on them and move yourself into even more fabulousness. And when you move into your newly discovered fabulous life, it doesn’t get glossed over; you’re aware – you notice it. You’re over the moon.

When working with real estate agents while doing my property investment (see Key #6 – Happy People are Creative), I was aware enough to notice that they went out of their way for me, and by thanking them I also moved myself into ever more helpful relationships.

But that’s not why I did it, I was genuinely grateful, I enjoyed thanking them and seeing their delight. Spread the cheer I say.

3 Simple Steps to Get Excited About Life

Do This Tonight:

A simple exercise – for big results.

Step 1: Place a little note on your pillow before bedtime – reminding you to contemplate the fabulous. You might include a note to self, something like “I reckon you’re fabulous”.

Step 2: As soon as you get into bed, contemplate the fabulous in your life. Picture the following:

• picture your family, colleagues, friends, pets
• the warm and cozy bed you’re actually in
• the meal you just had… water (yes water)
• your able body
• the health of your family
• your love for your family and their love for you
• your ever-expanding love for yourself
• your knowledge
• your computer, the internet, clothes…

These are all fabulous. You may want to find an attractive journal for this exercise – writing keeps you focused. If unwanted issues arise, gently refocus on gratitude.

Then read something inspiring and fall asleep happy.

Step 3: In the morning, place the note on your pillow again to remind you tonight. You know what works for you. Do whatever it takes to “do gratitude” every day.

Every day you will think of new things.

So Remember…

… to be aware. What are you placing your attention on today?

Summary of the 7 Things Happy People Do:

At first glance this list isn’t bling enough. It is a simple list… do not be deceived by bling – this list is VERY powerful. If you want to get excited about life, if you want to be happy, move through these steps.

It will be as if you waved a magic wand over your life. Then keep building on that. Remember when you are happy, you are also healthy!

Happy Key #1 – Have an open mind – new ways of thinking are exciting

Happy Key #2 – See learning as fun – keep learning about what you love

Happy Key #3  – Put yourself first – follow your passion

Happy Key #4 – Approve of yourself for who you are now

Happy Key #5 – Take action on your knowledge

Happy Key #6 – Be creative in your own unique way

Happy Key #7 – Be grateful for what you already have

Follow these simple keys to become excited about your life.

Make it your mission to be excited– if you want it you can have it. My book HOW TO GET ANYTHING YOU WANT – JUST LIKE THAT! covers these keys and also teaches why science has proved you can get what you want.

Wake..up..inspired..every..day

Put on some music and dance like no-one is watching. The kids are but they’ll dance with you : -)

Order your copy of HOW TO GET ANYTHING YOU WANT – JUST LIKE THAT! via Amazon.com (also on Kindle).

What readers are saying about HOW TO GET ANYTHING YOU WANT – JUST LIKE THAT!

“Just Like That!” covers so many topics that it would be too numerous to mention all of my “Ah ha” moments. But I can say that there were many that helped me to better understand my behaviors and thought patterns, and those of others. In looking at how and why other people might act like they do, it helped me to feel more compassion towards them. I also learned a lot about not getting sucked in to other people’s issues or letting them control me with their negativity or letting myself get sucked into helping them when it might not be in my best interest or theirs.”

~~ Paige Lovitt – Reader Views

Janet Poole’s book is not one that can be read once and put away. It is a reference for life that each additional reading will enhance the understanding of oneself and the world one exists in. Those readers willing to take on new ways of thinking will find this book, as I did a revelation as to what makes us human.

I found this book to be one of the best I have read on the topic of self discovery, and highly recommend it to those seeking out new knowledge.”

~~ Warren Thurston – Aussie Authors

With unique hints that seem to be tailored to your individual style, Just Like That! can help you barrel through the obstacles and reach your true potential.  Janet’s distinct writing and powerful voice make for an educational and inspiring read.”

~~ Bridget Hopper – Readaholic

Related Posts:

Has Your Pursuit of the Material Been at the Expense of Happiness?
Finding Times Tough? 2 Easy & Effective Steps to Start Your Happy Life
10 Magic Reasons Living in the Moment Gets You What You Want

To make it easy for you here’s a List of All Posts

Photo Credit

This is Janet Poole; I believe in finding better ways to live your life and grow your business.

I believe in sharing those ideas!

Better Ways. More Freedom.