I love thinking about, listing, and making meaningful changes to my habits. The things we do every day account for so much time and according to James Clear, the writer of Atomic Habits, these behaviors we do each day account for over 40% of our time. So, we are a sum of our habits.
This article is about using one single habit to focus on gratitude. I have heard this from a few very smart leaders in different ways. One great example is on a podcast, Hello Monday, Satya Nadella mentioned that he starts each morning by placing both feet on the floor and saying one thing he is grateful for and then starts his day.
Applying the article to the times we find ourselves in with inflation, an economy in question, and political turmoil, Mr. Clear highlights something very important for us to consider;
‘You start to realize how insignificant monetary things are for your day-to-day happiness. The majority of my grateful moments don’t cost a dime: time spent with friends and family, something nice someone said, a good workout that day. That’s not to say money is unimportant, but there is something comforting in realizing that the moments you’re actually grateful for each day are free’
The things that truly matter beyond basic needs are free. That is powerful and perhaps we could spend more time focussing on these things and what we do have, vs what we don’t.
My routine is similar to Satya’s in that I wake up and think about the things I am able to do and how fortunate I am to be where I am physically, mentally, and in this time of opportunity.
It’s a habit that has truly helped me stay grounded and thankful, especially during this season of personal change.
Try this or find another small habit you can incorporate into your day that will improve your life and stick with it. You will notice a difference!
Jason A. Belt 