How About a Little Gratitude?
Most of us (me included) have some degree of an entitlement mentality. When we get things, some part of us either feels like we deserved them or that there was no real cost or effort on the part of the giver. That needs to change — for you and me both.
There are people in our lives whose contributions we should really appreciate, and showing them some gratitude doesn’t have to be something huge. Here are a couple of small things you can do to show them that they’ve meant something to you.
Say Thank You
I know — rocket science, right? But when’s the last time you actually took the time to drop an email or a Tweet or — yikes — an actual hand-written note to tell someone Thanks for what they’ve done for you.
Give a Gift
I’m not talking about getting Rolexes for your linemen or anything else expensive. You can drop $10 or so and get a gift that really conveys your gratitude over and above a simple Thank You.
Think about something that’s representative of where you live, or something that you know the person collects or enjoys. Or even send them something cool with your logo on it. (I got a really cool personal tea maker from the guys at Karate Depot last year and a cool hoodie this year.) Use your imagination!
Obviously this takes a little more work than saying Thanks, but think about how much the person has benefited you. Taking the time to send them a gift really pales in comparison.
So how about it? Who can you think of who you need to say Thank You to today?
We’d all be better off (again, me included) if we made thankfulness more a part of our everyday lives.
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Pat Gillen
February 16, 2009
at 1:52 pm
How very true. How little we say ‘thank you’! It’s a pretty motivating phrase to hear too.
Thank you for the post Shane!
Matthew
February 16, 2009
at 3:53 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more Shane, everyone from the server at your favorite local restaurant to the guy or gal who takes out your groceries. These people in addition to colleagues and friends who influence you to help you get to where you are today really count. And oh SOOOOO often we don’t tell them ‘thanks’ enough.
Now go buy someone a Starbucks Gold card or just tell them thanks today
Cheers, Matthew
Strong One
February 16, 2009
at 5:13 pm
Wonderful thoughts. In the ideal world, I think we all wish we could be more like the people we act like during the holidays.
Thankfulness is rare these days, especially with the ‘I’m entitled’ attitude of the younger generation (yes, I’m getting old)
Thank YOU for reminding us all.
Kim
February 17, 2009
at 11:18 am
Hey! We have matching hoodies! : D
I tried sending a thank you to Aaron, but sent it through Customer Service email and not sure he got it.
You have an email for him?
Karin RN
February 19, 2009
at 2:01 pm
Ouch.
Thank you, Shane.
Thanks for putting a new face to my blog. I luv it, luv it, luv it.
Shane
February 19, 2009
at 2:06 pm
Hey, you don’t owe me a thanks for that. Number one, you thanked me copiously already, and number two, you earned it! I was just fulfilling a commitment
Karin RN
February 19, 2009
at 2:08 pm
Never mind. A gift is on your way.
Guess what’s missing from your wish list?
Oh, BTW, will you ship it to me after you read it? It looks very interesting.
Just kidding!
Andrew
February 25, 2009
at 10:01 pm
Shane,
Isn’t it amazing just how powerful two words can be?
Simple expressions like ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’ (if used appropriately) may be only small gestures, but they have a wonderful and lasting impact upon our relationships with others.
With respect to your comments about gifts, I feel that some caution should be exercised in this regard. Some companies have policies against the acceptance of gifts, and if this is the case, the offering of a gift may place the recipient in an awkward position.
In addition, customs relating to gifts vary according to different cultures, and you must be careful to take any relevant cultural considerations into account prior to the offering of any form of gift.
Thirdly, some people can view gifts with a degree of suspicion, and may feel that you are trying to ‘buy’ their friendship or appreciation.
That said, there will be many cases where a small gift is an appropriate (and delightful) way of expressing one’s gratitude.
Shane
February 26, 2009
at 3:18 pm
Great comments, Andrew. Thanks!!
Blogging with a plan - Wildfire Marketing Group
March 24, 2009
at 1:12 pm
[...] Content may be king but if no one knows about your blog, your content will go unread, so the next thing you need is some exposure. You need to get other bloggers to write about you, and ideally, to link to your website in their posts. Despite most people’s initial reaction though, the answer isn’t to just start firing off emails asking people to write about and link to you. Instead, you should develop relationships with other bloggers by regularly posting relevant, useful comments on their posts and linking to their website in your posts. The idea is to make yourself a valuable resource to them. When they do write about you, be sure to show a little gratitude. [...]