![\"Gratitude](\"https:\/\/sidewaysthoughts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/GratitudeGiftCards11.jpg\" "\\"Gratitude")
<\/p>\nGratitude is good for business and good for your well being, or so says the collection of studies below. \u00a0You can thank me later.<\/p>\n
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My last post on the benefits of generosity<\/a>\u00a0got me thinking about what it takes to maintain a generous perspective. I was discussing my thoughts on generosity with a project manager, who responded “Yes, Chad, but what if we feel we do not have any more to give?<\/em>”\u00a0 Business and science indicate that a response may be “When you have done all else, give thanks<\/em>“.<\/p>\n What does it mean to be grateful? Gratitude<\/a>\u00a0has been described as a positive emotion felt towards others rather than self.\u00a0 Another description I read was gratitude<\/a>\u00a0is felt when one\u2019s needs are met and yet the help does not feel imposed.<\/p>\n The case for being thankful is compelling.\u00a0 If you want to be a success, improve your business, and improve your overall well being, then be grateful.\u00a0 More than some feel-good theory, the business world reinforces the concept on sites like Smart Company<\/a>, Fast Company<\/a>, CNN Money<\/a>, Forbes<\/a>, and Inc<\/a>. \u00a0Adam Smith, an early free-market proponent, stressed that gratitude is essential to social life<\/a>\u00a0because it facilitates social transactions when there are not other legal or economic incentives to behave fairly.<\/p>\n Want more of a case for gratitude?\u00a0 Here is what research tells us:<\/p>\n The benefits of gratitude are for everyone, not just special groups like non-profits or religion.\u00a0 Indeed, while people who pray consistently tend to be more grateful<\/a>, religion itself is associated with expressions of gratitude but not necessarily actions of gratitude<\/a>.<\/p>\n A note of caution: you must be unselfish in your approach to gratitude.\u00a0 If you are too focused on yourself, research shows that gratitude is replaced by indebtedness<\/a>\u00a0and you will not feel as committed or close to your benefactor.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Feminist](\"https:\/\/sidewaysthoughts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/FeministHulkGratitude1.jpg\" "\\"Feminist")
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