by Sarah Johnson
During this time of year we tend to contemplate all the things we have to be thankful for. Being thankful is an expression of gratitude.
As teachers, we are continually trying to help students foster a Growth Mindset. This process helps students to believe in the potential they have for growth and to recognize what they can become.
Gratitude and a Growth Mindset are similar. Both cause you to reflect and focus on the positive. If we could combine these two components into a “ Gratitude Mindset”-the ability to be grateful for what you have and see the best in everything, the rippling effects would be so powerful in our society, in our classrooms and in our homes.
A Gratitude Mindset could be summed up in one quote from John Wooden, “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out”. When we cultivate an attitude of Thanksgiving in our lives and choose to focus our time and attention on what we appreciate, we will be able to see and feel the shift of our Gratitude Mindset. We can become more resilient, better connected, have more hope and be happier than we could have imagined.
“Studies show that gratitude increases optimism, produces positive feelings and boosts happiness”. When we go a step further and record our gratitude, it can have even longer lasting effects, up to 6 months longer! Find a way to share your gratitude this month and write it down! Share a gratitude post on social media and tag BehaviorRx for a chance to be featured!
Whether you write in a journal, select an app, utilize social media, call or write a friend or family member or simply add slips of paper into a gratitude jar-you will find that you have so much more to be grateful for!