Attitude of Gratitude, Transform Your Mindset and Your Day
An attitude of gratitude can completely shift how you experience your day, your work, and your relationships. Instead of focusing on what feels overwhelming or frustrating, choosing a gratitude mindset helps you reframe your perspective and find joy in everyday moments.
Attitude of Gratitude, A Simple Mindset Shift
This past Sunday, our pastor shared a story about someone who answers the question, “How are you?” with one simple word, “Grateful.”
It is an intentional response, a way to practice an attitude of gratitude in everyday life.
How an Gratitude Can Change Your Day
Yesterday morning, I arrived at the office a few minutes late at 8:10. I had asked a teammate to meet me at 8:00 so we could complete a report together.
As she stepped out of her car, she said, “This Monday morning at 8:00 thing is not my favorite.” She went on to talk about how hard it was to get up and go after the weekend.
Later, when I arrived at the hospital just after lunch, another co-worker greeted me with, “I am so tired and can’t get my notes organized. I have been going all weekend, getting the kids to their programs, taking care of my parents, and there just isn’t enough time to get it all done.”
Moments like these remind me how easy it is to fall out of an attitude of gratitude.
The Words We Use Shape Our Mindset
Think about how often we say:
- “Thank God it’s Friday”
- “It’s Hump Day”
- “I can’t wait for the weekend”
These phrases may seem harmless, but they quietly train our minds to dread most of our week instead of approaching it with an attitude of gratitude.
Yes, work can be hard. But does it have to feel that way all the time?
I am reminded of Snow White’s famous line, “Whistle while you work.”
Bringing an Attitude of Gratitude into Daily Tasks
When my boys were younger, we used to have cleaning parties. Whether it was the house, their rooms, the car, or the yard, we would turn on music, sing, and make it fun.
We always got more done when we chose joy instead of complaining. That is the power of an attitude of gratitude in action.
Even now, Matthew still has cleaning parties with his friends.
What would it look like if we brought that same attitude of gratitude into our workdays?
Renew Your Mind with an Attitude of Gratitude
Ephesians 4:23 reminds us to “be renewed in the attitude of your minds.”
Choosing an attitude of gratitude does not mean ignoring challenges. It means choosing to focus on what is good, even in the middle of a busy or stressful season.
A Real-Life Example of an Attitude of Gratitude
Last month, my husband Danny and I visited Seattle and stopped by the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market.
Back in 1986 this company was on the verge of bankruptcy. They hired a business coach and created a vision that inspired them to come to work every day with an attitude of having fun. Their vision was to be “World Famous, in a way that makes a profound difference for people”. I would say that they have met that vision. I told Danny that we had to go there to see the famous fish throwing.
When we arrived, a crowd of people standing around waiting for someone to throw a fish had gathered. One of the workers called out, “Do you want to see a fish fly?”
We said yes.
He replied, “Then buy a fish.”
The fish were expensive, but the experience was unforgettable. Their playful attitude is a perfect example of an attitude of gratitude in the workplace. It is contagious and invites others to engage.
What if your answer reflected an attitude of gratitude?
An attitude of gratitude can change:
- How you walk into work
- How you speak to others
- How you experience your day
Gratitude is a daily decision, not just a feeling.
So, the next time someone asks, “How are you?”
What if your answer reflected an attitude of gratitude?
Grateful.