Some of the most successful people that I know live each day as if it is New Year’s Day. No resolutions that quickly recede to failure within three weeks. Nothing unrealistic that they’ve been kidding themselves about for the past decade. And no promises to become the person that they are not.
What they do on a regular basis is to reflect on what went well and figure out how to repeat it; maybe even make it better. They also reflect on what didn’t go well and ask what they can do next time to avoid those unpleasant consequences for future outcomes. But one thing they do exceedingly well each day is start their day off with gratitude.
An exercise I was taught by “The Strategic Coach” about 25 years ago is called the positive focus. In this exercise, you are forced to come up with 3-5 things at the beginning of each day that you appreciate and want to express gratitude for. It’s not always easy to do this. We all have crappy days, weeks, months, and years. But even in those darkest hours, there are things to be grateful for. These positive focus thoughts don’t have to be profound. They can be as simple as family, neighbors, a roof over your head that works, electricity (especially after a prolonged blackout), your tomato harvest, your dog not being sprayed by a skunk, chemotherapy, a good job review, a new job, an exceptional year in your business…. You get it. Anything that you could or should express gratitude for.
The theory here is that when you start your day with a positive focus, the rest of your day will generally line up with that same mentality. Positive focus, with emphasis on gratitude. And when something hits the fan, ask how to fix it and what you may do differently next time to avoid an undesirable outcome.
We have all met and dealt with those who dwell on negativity. They are no fun to be around and will find fault in everything they see. Even worse, all they talk about is that negative stuff and they begin to drag down everyone within earshot. And to be the realist, anyone can find fault in anything. It doesn’t even take that much energy to spot weaknesses or faults in stuff, other people or within your own life. Maybe one way you can lift your awareness of gratitude is to share these positive thinking thoughts with those who drag you down. Ask them for a few things that they are happy with, that bring them joy or that they are grateful for. If they can’t answer that and simply bark more negativity your way…minimize your interactions or if possible, eliminate these negative influences from your life.
Happy 2026!
There were too many great parts of 2025 to count…here’s a snapshot of just a few highlights.
