Study after study has shown that having an attitude of gratitude improves a person’s sense of well-being, as does this study from Dr. Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Robert Emmons of the University of California. The benefits of gratitude are numerous, including more energy and alertness, less depression and stress, and more effective with achieving goals and GTD.
If you’ve got a problem with stinkin’ thinkin’, and want to become more grateful, you’ll need to stop complaining first. I propose the rubber band method. Here’s how it works. The goal is to wear a loose fitting rubber band on the same wrist for 27 days consecutive - approximately the time it takes to change a bad habit to a good habit. Every time you complain, switch the rubber band to the other wrist, and the countdown begins anew.
Now, notice I said change a bad habit to a good habit. We are all slaves to habits, good or bad. If a bad habit is to be successfully removed, something must fill the void to replace it, or else the bad habit will re-root itself again. Og Mandino, the author of the inspired masterpiece The Greatest Salesman in the World wrote: “If you must be a slave to habit, then be a slave to good habits.” So to change the bad habit of complaining and ingratitude, I suggest replacing the complaint with a positive remark. Every time you feel like complaining to someone, look at the rubber band on your wrist and offer a warm compliment in its place.
I’ve decided to do this myself, and put a green rubber band on my right wrist. I’ll let you know of my progress.
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