You have a choice to make when you wake up each and every day about the challenges you will face. In fact, you have a choice in each and every moment of adversity. You have a choice to be grateful and have gratitude, or…not.

If you pull back the curtain further, you have the choice to be positive or negative. Glass half full or glass half empty. You have the choice to take responsibility for your behavior or you can play victim.

2020 beat everyone down. There is no question about that. However, we keep hearing needless complaining on a daily basis like there isn’t anything to be hopeful about.

Setting Realistic Expectations

If you think 2021 was a reawakening of your original 2020 plans, that’s a risky bet to make. We’re the most optimistic people on earth, but we have realistic expectations of what we can control. Gratitude is one of those things. If 2021 isn’t a full rebound of all things good in your life, you’re ready to make the most of it instead of being blindsided by it.

Gratitude is free. It is the most effective, accessible tool for making today “the best day ever” and for turning any life situation into a choice to be positive and optimistic.

We Are Hardwired to Complain

“That’s easy,” you say. Unfortunately, it’s harder than it looks (on screen). We are hardwired to complain. It’s a habit for most and a really bad habit for some. Don’t believe us? Trying going (just) one full day without complaining about anything.

If you’re sitting there feeling like there isn’t anything to be grateful for, that’s your first challenge. Find something, then dwell on it. If you can’t think of something in your own life, be grateful or thankful for someone else. Wish them happiness. Wish all the success in the world for them going forward. The best part? This can be for a total stranger. The next person you pass on the street, silently encourage and support them in your own head; then, take note of how you feel.

Gratitude is free.

Go out and flex that gratitude muscle today.