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Life can be difficult and things don’t always go as one hopes or plans. This is definitely true in business. And yet, successful people are forever gushing about how grateful they are for all the blessings and support in their lives. Rightly so. As they think about their entrepreneurial journey, business owners are often filled with an appreciation for the team members who have dedicated themselves to helping the business reach its goals, especially when the odds were stacked against them. And they are grateful for the clients / customers who choose to do business with them, loyally, for years. And they are grateful for the family and friends who cheered them on and believed in them. Most of all, they are grateful for those who lent the business money, time or guidance to help them get started. Investors. Mentors. Trusted Advisors. Business owners often talk about how thankful they are.
But is it the success that has made them feel grateful and appreciative? Or is it the other way around? It is the age-old question, like the chicken and the egg, of which comes first: gratitude and appreciation or success. Does success make a person more grateful and appreciative or does gratitude and appreciation lead to success? Is it causational or correlational?
To delve into this question, we must first start by understanding the relationship between gratitude and appreciation. They are connected but not synonymous. So what is the difference?
A Symphony of Thankfulness
Gratitude and appreciation are closely related — yet distinct — concepts that often present in the lives of successful people. While the terms are often used interchangeably, understanding their nuances deepens one’s understanding of their power and impact.
Gratitude is a state of being; an emotion or philosophy that embraces the positive aspects of life. It’s a recognition of the good things in one’s life, big and small, and a sense of thankfulness for them. Gratitude, therefore, is a mindset or attitude that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and well-being.
Appreciation, on the other hand, is a conscious act of valuing and acknowledging something or someone. It involves expressing gratitude through words, actions, or gestures. Appreciation is a deliberate choice to show thanks and appreciation for the kindnesses, efforts, and contributions of others. We all have cause to express appreciation. As Albert Schweitzer once said, “At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to thank someone for keeping our light alive.”
The Interplay of Gratitude and Appreciation
While gratitude is a foundational attitude, appreciation is the outward expression of that gratitude. Gratitude generates appreciation, and appreciation strengthens gratitude. When we cultivate a sense of gratitude, we become more attuned to the positive aspects of our lives, leading to a natural inclination to express appreciation. Conversely, when we practice acts of appreciation, we reinforce our feelings of gratitude and deepen our connection with others. Consider it a virtuous cycle that nurtures itself.
Three Types of Gratitude
According to Robert Emmons, a leading researcher on gratitude, there are three types of gratitude.
- Simple Gratitude involves appreciating the everyday blessings in life, such as good health, a warm meal, or a beautiful sunset.
- Comparative Gratitude arises from comparing one’s current situation to a less fortunate one. By recognizing that others may be facing greater challenges, we develop a deeper sense of appreciation for what we have. For most, it is impossible not to feel gratitude when faced with someone who is physically handicapped in some way.
- Transcendent Gratitude is a more profound form of gratitude that involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and expressing gratitude for the larger universe.
Nurturing an Attitude of Gratitude
Clearly, gratitude is something desirable in oneself. But, gratitude often arises spontaneously, as a natural response to a positive experience. It’s a fleeting emotion that can easily be overlooked or forgotten. Appreciation, on the other hand, is more deliberate. It requires conscious effort to express our thanks and acknowledge the contributions of others.
To cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude, we can practice the 4As:
- Awareness – Pay attention to the positive aspects of your life, both big and small. Take inventory of what there is to be grateful for.
- Acknowledgement – Acknowledge the source of those blessings or provisions, whether it be a person, a circumstance, or G-d.
- Acceptance – Embrace the good things in life with open arms and without reservation.
- Affirmation – Express gratitude through words, actions, or journaling.
Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of various practices to increase one’s sense of gratitude. Here are some of the key findings:
- Gratitude Journaling – Regularly writing down things you’re grateful for has been shown to increase positive emotions, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Be specific. Focusing on specific details and experiences can enhance the impact of gratitude journaling.
- Mindfulness– Focus on the present moment. Mindfulness practices help people be more present and appreciative of the current moment, leading to increased gratitude. Intentionally focus on the positive aspects of situations to shift perspective and increase gratitude. Practice techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy to help reduce negative thoughts and promote a more positive outlook.
- Gratitude Meditation – Specifically focusing on gratitude during meditation sessions can further enhance feelings of thankfulness.
Gratitude is Good and Appreciation is Better
Neuroscience research has shown that gratitude and appreciation activate specific areas of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making, problem-solving, and social behavior. This activation can lead to increased positive emotions, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being. In short, both expressing and receiving appreciation offer a wealth of benefits.
For the Expresser of Appreciation
Neurochemical Boost – Expressing gratitude triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals elevate mood, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
Enhanced Social Bonds – Acts of appreciation strengthen social connections, leading to increased feelings of belonging and purpose.
Improved Physical Health – Gratitude and appreciation can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and improve sleep quality.
Increased Self-Esteem – Recognizing and expressing gratitude can even boost the self-confidence and sense of self-worth of the expesser.
For the Recipient of Appreciation
Emotional Well-being – Receiving appreciation can significantly improve mood, reduce stress, and increase happiness.
Motivation and Engagement – Feeling valued and appreciated can motivate individuals to work harder and perform better.
Strengthened Relationships – Acts of appreciation foster deeper connections and strengthen relationships, both personal and professional.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety – Appreciation can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind.
In other words, expressing appreciation is just as beneficial to the recipient as it is to the giver. So, by incorporating gratitude and appreciation into our daily lives, we are better able to cultivate stronger relationships, improve one’s overall well-being, and create a more positive and fulfilling existence.
The Contagious Nature of Appreciation
Not only is being appreciative good for you, but appreciation is also magnanimous. In fact, it is downright contagious. When we express appreciation to others, it not only makes them feel valued and appreciated but also inspires them to express gratitude themselves. By sharing our appreciation, we create a ripple effect of positivity that can spread throughout our communities and beyond.
Gratitude and appreciation are powerful tools for enhancing our well-being and strengthening our relationships. By cultivating a sense of gratitude and practicing acts of appreciation, it is possible to transform one’s own life as well as the lives of those around us.
Next week, we’ll consider the interplay of gratitude and appreciation not only on ourselves and others, but also on our professional success. It turns out that gratitude is rocket fuel for success. Don’t miss it.
Quote of the Week
“The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” Barrie Davenport
© 2024, Keren Peters-Atkinson. All rights reserved.
The post The Connection Between Gratitude, Appreciation and Success, Part 1 first appeared on Monday Mornings with Madison.