The Art of Appreciation by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
One of the hallmarks of very successful people is the persistence to continuously strive to do better and have more. This trait serves them well as they work toward reaching more and more difficult goals.
If you’re one of those people, it’s likely you have achieved a great deal in your, including making money and gaining respect in your community. Your drive has served you well and allowed you to rise above others who haven’t shown the same persistence and tenacity.
The downside to being so driven is that sometimes we fail to appreciate the things we already have. These people are not ungrateful; they’re just so focused on the next goal that they fail to celebrate reaching the last one. They miss the joy that comes from appreciating what you have and all you have accomplished.
Be certain to take the time to really appreciate your life. Be grateful, and remember those who have helped you along the way. Reflect on how far you have come, remembering how your life has improved since your early days in business. Many of those memories will certainly bring a smile to your face.
Enjoy the things you have. I once worked with a man who had wanted to own a boat all his life. He finally was able to buy one and to move close enough to the water to be able to use it regularly. But, he still spent so much time working that he rarely took the boat he worked so hard to buy out of the garage. All of his work to earn enough to own the boat became meaningless.
It’s most important to appreciate the family and friends you have, as well. If you’re a parent, remember that children grow up quickly. Don’t spend their growing up years at work. Once their childhood is gone, you can never get it back. Appreciate and respect the partner at home who has helped you to gain everything you have. Don’t neglect your relationship or you will be lonely even though you live in the same house together. If you’ve made a good amount of money, remember to enjoy it while you’re young with your partner and children.
True appreciation for what you have and what you’ve accomplished can also be a powerful motivator to help you achieve even more. A little bit of stopping to smell the roses makes your work so much more meaningful.