The Power of Gratitude Intelligence (GQ) GOALS By the end of this workshop you will understand how the power of gratitude can improve your physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual well-being. You will also appreciate the idea of practicing gratitude as a way of life and make a plan of action on how to create a positive impact on others in your workplace, home, friends and community.
What is Gratitude Intelligence (GQ)? Gratitude Defined A feeling, emotion emotion or attitude attitude in acknowledgme acknowledgment nt of a benefit that one has received or will receive.
Gratitude Intelligence •
A body of knowledge that originates from positive psychology movement (2000) which states that total positive well-being can be powerfully achieved by practicing the attitude of gratitude.
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History of Gratitude Roots –
positive psychology movement (2000) alternative to adjustment psychology which has traditionally been focused more on understanding distress rather than understanding positive emotions.
Earlier roots – Religion, philosophy, esoteric discipline
Why Gratitude is So Important •
Psychology discovered that it is an effective antidote to socio-emotional problems.
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Medical science discovered that it can help reduce stress-related disease.
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Profound implications of gratitude has been discovered on spiritual level.
What are the Benefits of Gratitude Attitude? Socio-Emotional Benefits
Self-Confidence
Positive emotions (happiness, inner peace, gladness, joy)
Better interpersonal skills
Emotional resilience - toughness
Gratitude is sexy…“Strengths of character” including the capacity to love and be loved, wisdom, spirituality, kindness, forgiveness and gratitude are highly desirable traits in a romantic partner (Journal of Adolescence, 2003)
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” - Albert Schweitzer The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated. -- WIlliam James
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Physical/Medical Be efits
Enthusiasm to do regular exercise
Immune system boo t
Better sleep, better appetite
Healthy and strong b dy
Physical attractivene s
Faster healing
“Gratitude is a vaccine, an ntitoxin, and an antiseptic.” — John Henry Jowett
Mental/Psychological Benefits
Positive outlook
New Neurons
Positive memory bia
Better concentration
More alert and enth siastic
Solution-focus rather than problem-focus
Spiritual Benefits
Feelings of being closer to God
Conscientiousness
Deeper spiritual outl ok in life
Desire to give and sh re with others
“If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.” — Rabbi Harold Kushner
Economic Benefits
Abundance mindset
Law of attraction
More blessings
More to share
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PROACTIVE VERSUS REACTIVE A PROACTIVE person is always part of the solution. A REACTIVE person is always part of the problem. A PROACTIVE person has always a program of action A REACTIVE person has an endless list of reasons. A PROACTIVE person will say, “Let me handle it.” A REACTIVE person will say, “It’s not my job.” A PROACTIVE person can always find a solution to every problem. A REACTIVE person can always find a problem to every solution. In a crisis, PROACTIVE will say “It may be diff icult but it’s possible.” But for a REACTIVE, “It may be possible but its difficult.” A PROACTIVE believes that “There’s always a better way.” A REACTIVE on the other hand believes that “There’s nothing we can do about it.” When a PROACTIVE made a mistake, he would say“ I’m sorry, It’s my fault.” When a REACTIVE made a mistake, he would say “It’s not my fault.” Question: Where do you belong?
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The Devastating Effects of Poor GQ. He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." – Epictetus
Obstacles to Gratitude Attitude •
Bitterness
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Entitlement attitude
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Jealousy
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Scarcity/lack mentality
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Fault-finding
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Gripes – negative dissatisfaction
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Blame-placing
The Default Brain Function That steals joy and well-being are… •
Survival needs govern instincts
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Safety concerns take priority
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Automatic scanning for threats to safety
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Default problem-solving focus follows
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Problems/tasks consume most thought process
So our instinctive process is…
Am I safe?
What is the threat?
How do I ensure safety?
Results… Too many of us become: Too serious, too worried, stressed-out, cynical, anxious, depressed, angry, physically ill
The Default Mental Process The Default Mental Process is Past – what happened that hurt, threatened, scared me the most? Present – what threats exist right now? Future – What do I need to watch-out for to make sure I’m safe?
GRATITUDE INTELLIGENCE - Creative Moves Business Outsourcing – Sonion Philippines Inc.
The Devastating Effects of Poor GQ.
In the Family •
Envy which leads to sibling rivalry
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Jealousy which leads to bitterness
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Rebellious attitude
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Depression which can lead to suicide
In Marriage •
Miscommunication
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Feelings of being ignored
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Fault-finding, nagging
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Infidelity
Among Friends •
Miscommunication
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Envy
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Unhealthy competition
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Interpersonal conflict
In Business •
Bad wishes for the competitors
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Customer complaints
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Possible customer defection
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Poor employee morale
In Politics •
Rising opposition
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Balimbing
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Crab mentality
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Dissent from the masses
GRATITUDE INTELLIGENCE - Creative Moves Business Outsourcing – Sonion Philippines Inc.
In the Environment •
Lack of concern = pollution
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Taken for granted
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Calamities
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." - Thornton Wilder
The Law of Attraction and The Gift of Gratitude The default mental process is •
Past – what happened that hurt, threatened, scared me the most?
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Present – what threats exist right now?
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Future – What do I need to watch-out for to make sure I’m safe?
CREATE NEW DEFAULT •
Past – What am I grateful for?
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Present – What do I appreciate?
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Future – What can I look forward to?
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy
Gratitude Attitude •
Everything is a gift – simple things when seen as a gift
becomes special. •
The universe owes us nothing.
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Everything is on loan
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Abundance mindset versus scarcity mindset
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Gratitude Power: The Law of Attraction •
Law of Attraction: What your mind can conceive and believe, it will achieve.
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Whatever you are thankful for will always multiply. – The more you thank, the more you receive…
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The Golden Rule applies.
A Writer on Gratitude “What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it-would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.” — Ralph Marston
Gratitude Attitude Can Be Infectious! Let’s Spread It! The Many Things That We Should Be Thankful For. Open Your Eyes And Heart… •
God –made or man-made
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Past blessings or present blessings
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Big or small blessings
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Delayed gratification
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Lessons from challenges
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Lessons from unfavorable events
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Friends and “enemies”
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” — William A. Ward
How to Say “Thank You” While at Work QUALITY •
Specific and sincere = “What” and “Why”
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Eye contact and smile
TIMING IS ESSENTIAL •
Immediate – strike while the iron is hot
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Serves as a REINFORCEMENT
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It’s effect and return is also immediate.
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If you forgot, still say it. Better late than never.
GRATITUDE INTELLIGENCE - Creative Moves Business Outsourcing – Sonion Philippines Inc.
NO IF’S - NO BUTS •
Not asking for more –No need to ask for more: you will receive more if you thank often.
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It will come in God’s time
CREATIVE WAYS TO SHOW GRATEFULNESS AT WORK •
Small gifts
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Cards, notes
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Text message
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Flowers
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Hugs
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Balloons
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Thank you cake
GOOD-FINDING (3 ways) •
Gratitude Scanning your past experiences for the good that has come your way throughout your life.
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Appreciation Looking into the heart and detail of the present moment for all that is pleasing and good.
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Optimism Looking forward to good things happening, expected and unexpected.
Journaling How to re-train your brain to focus on what is good, right and working in your life.
Gratitude Journaling “I am greateful for…” •
Your body – for healing, for serving you
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Your mind – for learning, creativity
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Your successes – personal and professional
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Possessions – house, car, bike, cell phone, etc.
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Relationships – spouse, mentors, loved ones
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Adventures/pleasures – fun and excitement
GRATITUDE INTELLIGENCE - Creative Moves Business Outsourcing – Sonion Philippines Inc.
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Appreciation Journaling “I appreciate…” •
Head-to-toe appreciation
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Immediate environment – art, beauty
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Current pleasures and joys in your life
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Possessions – home, camera, laptop, etc.
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Occupation – how can you earn income
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Loved ones, friends, family
Optimism Journaling “I look forward to…” •
What you fully expect
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What you want:
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look forward as if you knew for certain
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See it, feel it, imagine it
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Think of how your life will be different
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What you want for others
Being Grateful In The Midst of Adversity “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if w e didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” — Buddha
In the Midst of Misfortune •
There is a purpose for everything
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A blessing in disguise
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The grace will come In God’s time
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Patience is a virtue
GRATITUDE INTELLIGENCE - Creative Moves Business Outsourcing – Sonion Philippines Inc.
Be Thankful Be thankful that you don’t lready have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’ know something For it gives you the opport nity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitat ions Because they give you opp rtunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new c allenge Because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistak es They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you’re tired and weary Because it means you’ve made a difference. It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment co es to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. GRATITUDE can turn a neg tive into a positive. Find a way to be thankful f r your troubles and they can become your lessings. Author Unknown
Staying Positive Wh n Dealing with Difficult People •
Understand where they are coming from.
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Choose your attitu e. Protect your vibes.
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Stay proactive Don t react negatively.
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Infect the person
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Exercise assertiveness when needed but stay positive
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Avoid if you can but send positive energy to the person
ith your positiveness.
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Releasing the Negative Vibes and Maintaining the Positive Vibes in the Workplace •
Start the day by counting your team accomplishments of the previous day
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Praise in public. Correct in private
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Discourage negative confrontation but encourage open communication with respect.
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Cheer each other up when stress is increasing.
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Encouarage joking but discourage insult humor and pranks
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Spend time together for bonding and “getting to know you”
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Be conscious of the vibes that you are spreading around.
Acts of Random Kindness and the Art of Giving and Sharing •
Giving aligns you with the flow of abundance.
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Give to those who can’t repay.
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The quality of joy in receiving is greater than receiving
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Give the things you want to receive.
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Give non-monetary things as gifts to others (food, surplus clothes, load, etc.)
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Give support, time, smile, prayers, presence
The Power of Forgiveness •
Forgiving is freedom from negative emotions.
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Forgive others then forgive oneself.
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Forgiving heals your own illness
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Signs of forgiveness o
You wish good things for the person
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You can look at the person in the eye
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You can talk sincerely to the person
GRATITUDE INTELLIGENCE - Creative Moves Business Outsourcing – Sonion Philippines Inc.
Gratitude Exercises
Gratitude Meditation
Gratitude Affirmation
Gratitude Rock
Gratitude Beads
Gratitude Self-Talk
Gratitude Candle
Gratitude partner
PERSONAL ACTION PLAN 1. What are 2 things that I will start doing?
2. What are 2 things that I will stop doing?
3. What are 2 things that I will continue doing?
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