Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
In recent weeks, we’ve talked a lot about staying resilient when facing obstacles. This is a critical trait for anyone who wants to pursue greatness in any area of life. This week, however, I will focus on an important part of resilience that comes into play when times are 
good. That trait is gratefulness.
You may not immediately tie resilience and gratitude together. However, the two are definitely linked, as gratitude helps you to keep a humble attitude rather than becoming over confident when things are going well.
You might be wondering why confidence causes problems. After all, if you’ve worked hard to achieve your goals, you should be allowed to celebrate, shouldn’t you?
Of course celebration of achievement is important. However, remembering the hard work that got you there and being willing to do that work again is what keeps you there.
Gratitude and resilience during the good times involves, to an extent, never letting your guard down too much. When you’ve worked hard to realize your goals, it is critical not to allow it all to slip through your fingers because you take it for granted or get lazy.
There are some simple ways to maintain that attitude of gratitude now matter how well your business, or other pursuit, is going. Here are some suggestions.
• Keep mementos of the hard times. Maybe you’ll hold on to the first dollar you ever made, or you’ll keep the cheap suit you wore to every sales presentation in the early days. Choose something that is meaningful to you, but don’t forget to keep items that remind you of your roots prominently on display.
• Stay connected. As a business owner, it can be tempting to turn the day-to-day operations over to someone else once it is feasible to do so. Of course, it’s ok to take it easy a little as things become stable, but don’t forget how to run your own business.
• Pass it on. One of the best uses of the experience you’ve gained is passing it down to someone else. As you become successful, find the time to mentor someone else who is working hard to build the same sort of legacy. Not only will you be a help to them, but you’ll remember your own struggles and rewards.
Gratitude helps you maintain perspective on the world around you. Using it to keep you focused and connected during the good times is just as important as being resilient when times are hard.