The Benefits of Receiving Gratitude

Much has been written about the benefits of expressing gratitude. Recently I have been reflecting on the value of receiving gratitude.
After writing this blog for several months, I was on the verge of quitting. I could see no impact. Then feedback began to trickle in. Some former students claimed that entries helped them renew their faith in what they originally learned. Soon another type of message began to arrive. One of our readers shared a personal story which provides an excellent illustration.
He was progressing up his organization when he had a heart attack that left him without a heartbeat for 30 minutes. This led to a profound clarification of values and the realization that he did not want to move to the next politically saturated position. Instead he began to work on a creative idea, a contribution that had implications for the entire industry. The progress of that project was exhilarating.
Then his new boss arrived. Conflict grew, and a short time later, based on principle, he felt he should resign. For months he desired to “punish the organization.” Then drawing on what he learned from obtaining a “second life” and pursuing a higher purpose, he changed his focus back to contribution. As he did he realized that his experience in the old organization had taught him the power of higher purpose and his anger turned to gratitude.
While he continues to search for a new source of income, something we all find frightening, he proceeds with an unusual orientation. He is pursuing a cause about which he cares deeply and could save millions of lives. Because he does, he claims that his life is “fun” and he wakes up with enthusiasm.   He says he is living an “authentic, paradigm busting life.”
This is an inspiring report. Yet he also expresses one more point. Moving forward on such a journey also includes discouragement. He tells me he is sharing his story because the blog posts have been with him throughout his journey and he needed me to know that at least one person has been effected.
Since the time I considered quitting, I have received a number of messages like this one. The feedback fills me with positive emotions and I find the ability to press on. This fact instructs me to look for the people around me who are trying to make a difference and give them the positive feedback that this person gave me.
Reflection

  • What do I learn from the man’s central story?
  • What do I learn about the power of appreciation?
  • Who is enriching my life and how could I meaningfully thank them?
  • How could we use this passage to create a more positive organization?

18 comments on “The Benefits of Receiving Gratitude

  1. Don’t quit. You may not feel measurable impact, but you are, for sure, having an impact. Not all of these blogs resonate with me, and that should not be the goal. But there are many that give me pause, and that is important. Don’t quit. And thank you for sharing.

  2. I read your blog posts every day and often save them or send them to others. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!

  3. Dear Robert, I hope you will continue the blog. After 20 years as a leadership coach, I am confident you serve more people than you can possibly realize. Having read most (if not all your books) and gifted many coaching clients with copies of some of your titles, my regret is that I have not thanked you before now. I am a faithful reader and save your blog entries by topic to refer to when needing inspiration or direction. You have made a huge impact on me personally as well as in my coaching practice – thank you!!!

  4. Your blog is a reminder that life and work are cherished gifts received with gratitude and joy. Thanks for the positive contribution you give to my life and work.

  5. Bob: I really appreciate your blogs, and am so glad you did not quit writing them. I have been undergoing my own exploration of purpose and the ongoing process of connecting my work – in business and community life – with my higher purpose. Your blogs have inspired me, and have helped to fuel my own foray into blogging. Please keep up the good work. It means a lot to many of us.

  6. Dear Robert / aka BOB – I LOVE your work!!! You are a light of truth in a sea of choppy waves – just like a lighthouse …. don’t stop – we need your voice more than ever

  7. This is a very meaningful blog. My experience in gratitude is very much in various ways. I do not know why but when I help people in need, any kind of need I find my self experiencing a strange kind of punishment, not sure why. I feel like it is some entity wanting me not to help but I still help in my best.
    The past week my landlord went out of town for his family gathering in regards to the passing of his mom. I was asked as well offered to take care of the lawn and garden which needs a lot of attention. I spent 5 days at 4 hours each day. I was told if I kept his grass green during the hot days while they were gone he would reward me with a small token on which I agreed with. this is now over a week. My consciences plays hard on me of am I am expecting too much or should one honour their offer. I do not know how to feel. He does not need my help but I help any how.
    Now I am friends with one far away, a young man who has been called to enlist in the military as it id his country’s policy that all young men must serve for a year. He is a sensitive man and now he is scared. He wanted money from me so to pay a doctor so to have him not forced into the military. I have not the funds to do this. I also found out one could be in trouble doing this so I had to tell him this. Its sad that some need help, not get it, some do not need help, they receive it and no gratitude in return. I do not know how to feel about all this

    1. There are four questions that help me clarify a situation like this they are 1. What result do I want to create? 2. Am I internally directed? 3. Am I other focused? 4 Am I externally open? There are no easy answers to some situations, but being authentic and honest are important and following your conscience as you have will ensure that you can live with yourself in hard situations.

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