This morning there was a great article in the Wall Street Journal about gratitude. They have found scientific evidence that feeling grateful in all aspects of your life has an amazing impact on the quality of your life. While many of us have been reading books, attending teleclasses and live workshops focused on gratitude and the law of attraction, today science has validated this concept giving it more credence.
What I find interesting is that this article came out on the heels of my conference call focused on “Gifting Strategies; how to make your clients say wow”. As I talked about on the call there are many advisors who feel there is no need to send gifts, they may send the pre-signed token holiday card but that is all they feel is necessary. While I respect their thoughts and feelings I always knew that I ENJOYED sending gifts to my clients. Perhaps that was just the feeling of gratitude coming through. Not only did I appreciate their business but more importantly I appreciated them as people. I appreciate the opportunity to add value to their lives which leads me to my next point.
How often we thank those that gave us something, bought us something, performed a service for us when in fact often times the greatest gift is allowing us to help them and make a difference in their lives. I have to admit as a parent I don’t always feel like I am actually adding value to my kids, if I am I may not know it for years to come, that can often be the case in many of our personal relationships. I think that is why I love my coaching practice so much, every once in a while you have a client that has a major shift. All of a sudden after implementing the ideas that I had shared with them they had this Ah Ha moment recognizing the value and gift I had given them, when in fact the real gift was allowing me the opportunity to add value to their life and business.
As you experience this time of Thanksgiving take a few moments to think about those that actually give you the opportunity to add value to their lives. Recognize those that are receptive to your thoughts and feelings, those that are looking for help and actually apply what you say. When I ask a financial advisor who is their ideal client they ALWAYS say “Those that accept my advice and act on my recommendations“ It is at this moment where you too experience the true gift of life, giving to others. As we say every Sunday at mass “It is in giving that we receive”. For all those that read my blog “Thank you for allowing me to add value to your life”.
