Team Norbury recently spent two weeks on a family holiday in Ras Al-Khaimah (United Arab Emirates) for some family QT, and to re-charge our batteries.

We swam with fish, walked with crabs, played a lot of cards, and splashed around in the swimming pools in an attempt to keep “cool”.

The resort was like so many others we’ve stayed at, except ONE thing.

This ONE thing reminded us how lucky we are and how important it is for us as a family to all reflect on what we really appreciate in life.

It was a Gratitude Tree – a dedicated place to write and hang a note on what we’re most thankful for.

We saved it to the last day, and all chose one thing to contribute.

It was insightful seeing what our eleven-year-old twins came up with (unprompted) and it actually felt very good.

It’s something we should all take time out to do in our private lives as well as in our businesses because the focus shifts from negative experiences to positive ones – and therefore a positive mindset if done regularly.

Now, I’m not suggesting you plant an actual tree in the middle of your office (although something symbolic will help and encourage others) but I do recommend getting into the habit of gratitude to help nurture a culture of positivity and negate emotions such as envy or self-doubt.

You don’t need to think big, and you can start growing the seed in your business by:

• Saying thank you – and MEANING it!
• Proactively showing your appreciation to those around you.
• Stop comparing yourself against others – as they say, if you focus on what you don’t have then you’ll never have enough.
• Writing it down (like we did) and encourage others to do so, and to share it.
• Paying it forward.
• When good things happen, savour, and celebrate them.
• Lead with gratitude – as the Leader, this has to start with you.

And finally, keep it a regular habit, you’ll be surprised how much positive energy this will give to your environment.

Thanks for taking the time to read 🙂

BW,

Martin

Martin Norbury

Investor | Business Mentor at Advocate | Author of I don’t work Fridays