“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life,” writes bestselling self-help author Melody Beattie. “It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.”
In the past year, many of us have had to transition to working out of a home office, navigate the tensions of dual home workspaces, and guide our children through remote education. With so many restrictive changes and fewer healthy outlets, stress seems unavoidable. It’s easy to feel like you are living at your wits’ end.
While it can be difficult to focus on anything but the negative, approaching these challenges with gratitude and mindfulness can make them easier to manage. Turns out, being grateful can actually boost your productivity.
On the blog today, we’re sharing five ways to boost your productivity with gratitude, inspired by insights from Kathy Muzik, a Certified Productive Environment Specialist.
1. Treat everything as a learning opportunity
Sometimes it feels like life’s challenges are just here to tear us down. If we approach them from a loss mindset, then they certainly will. However, who among us can’t think of a tough time from their past that ended up teaching them a valuable lesson? When you treat everything in life as an opportunity to learn and grow, you will be far more adaptable to difficult circumstances. Practice gratitude by approaching struggles with a growth mindset.
2. If you want progress, you must not be afraid of change
Change is the only constant. With every change, we have the option to put up a resistance or go along with the current. One choice leads us to drive a stake deeper into our comfort zone, whereas the other propels us closer to achieving our goals. Fearing change holds us back from the next thing. Being grateful for change sets us up for a successful leap into the future.
3. Find focus with mindfulness
Nothing impedes our productivity more than distraction, whether it is physical clutter, digital notifications, or mental noise. Incorporate gratitude into a mindfulness practice, and you will see how much easier it becomes to focus on the present moment. An increased ability to focus goes together with improved productivity.
4. Level up your confidence
Practicing gratitude does not just mean acknowledging the good things and growth opportunities in your life—it also means taking time to appreciate yourself. Think of it as being grateful to your past self for helping you get where you are today. Acknowledging your accomplishments boosts self-esteem, making it easier to believe in your own ability to achieve your goals.
5. Exercise gratitude daily for sound sleep
Gratitude and good sleep go hand-in-hand. Boost one, and the other will also improve. According to Psychology Today, practicing a grateful attitude throughout the day can help us fall asleep. This is because we’re more likely to be dwelling on positive thoughts at night instead of stress-filled ones that might keep us up. Just like physical exercise can prepare your body for a good night’s sleep, exercising gratitude whips our brains into shape so our mind can rest. In turn, better sleep improves our ability to focus and be productive throughout the day. It’s a winning cycle.
Get Organized with our Certified Productive Environment Specialists
Our environment can have a big impact on our stress levels and ability to focus. At Totally Organized, our team of experts is here to transform your cluttered spaces into productive environments. We are more than professional organizers—we are lifestyle experts, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve North Dallas and the surrounding areas. Call us today to learn more.