Happy Thanksgiving From an Appreciator

Too often in our work (and sometimes in our lives) we focus on what’s going wrong.  Since we get more of what we focus on, this approach can make us feel like we are in an unfriendly universe.  Everything (and everyone) feels like a struggle that we must fight against just to survive.  But what if there was another way?

What if instead of seeing all the wrong, we focused on what was going right, no matter how small it might seem.  What if we became appreciators?  What if even in the seemingly dark moments, we kept the faith that it was all happening for a valid reason?

Case in point, I know someone who was recently let go from her job because the type of work she was doing was no longer an area of focus for her firm.  This person had worked tirelessly in building her client base and was frankly shocked when the firm no longer wanted to support her.  She was also an integral breadwinner to her family of four.  I’ll admit that upon hearing the news, even my initial reaction was anger at the injustice.  I thought, “How could they do this to such a hard working employee?”

But not this person.  She is an appreciator.  After the initial shock, she requested a meeting with the head of the firm.  In that meeting, she thanked him for the mentoring he had given her along the way and asked to take the clients she developed with her as she was taking this crisis as an opportunity to start her own firm.  Amazing!

Was he supportive?  Of course.  He was so impressed by her positive approach that he apologized for the decision and told her how much he regretted having to let her go.  It was one of the toughest business decisions he’d ever made.  Just hearing this, gave my client the good ending she needed to move on to a good beginning.  Upon sharing the news of her new firm with an initial few of her clients, projects began pouring in.

Is this a fluke?  Is she just one of a lucky few?

Yes, but the lucky few she is a part of is the universe of appreciators.  People who see good in every situation and challenge.  You can be part of this group too.  Join by focusing more and more on the good in your work (even if it’s just a paycheck at the moment).  From there, I can help you (and those on your gift list) with Soul Search, Research and Job Search and get you all doing work you really love.

Happy Thanksgiving and always follow your dreams!

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing.  It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire