Redefining Gratitude - Embracing Growth and Ambition

Hello friends,

Welcome to the first week of our new “Ambition and Appreciation” six-week campaign!

This week, we're exploring the powerful connection between gratitude and ambition. Often, we think of these two concepts as opposites—gratitude as contentment with what we have and ambition as the drive to achieve more. Most of the time, they are separated by feelings of guilt!

But what if they could work together? By redefining gratitude, we can unlock new ways to fuel our personal growth and ambitions.

 Ambition and Appreciation TL;DR:

Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating what you have. It’s also a powerful tool for recognising and unlocking your potential. When you start from a place of gratitude, you create a positive foundation that nurtures your ambition rather than stifles it. By embracing gratitude, you can amplify your drive to grow, turning what you have into a springboard for achieving even greater things.

This week, we explore how gratitude can coexist with and even enhance your ambitions, helping you to set meaningful goals that align with your appreciation for the present and your aspirations for the future.

Table of Contents

•  Ambition and Appreciation TL;DR:

• Gratitude and Ambition: Redefining Growth

• Inside the Author Mind: Gavin’s Notes

  • Links to external articles:

• Call to Action

Gratitude and Ambition: Redefining Growth

1. The Misconception: Gratitude vs. Ambition
   Explanation: There's a common belief that gratitude and ambition are at odds—that being grateful means being satisfied with where you are, while ambition drives you to want more. This misconception can lead to internal conflict, making us feel guilty for desiring growth when we’re supposed to be “grateful” for what we have.
   Tip: Challenge this belief by reframing your perspective. Start by listing one ambition and think about how it stems from something you’re already grateful for. For example, if you’re ambitious about improving your health, recognise that this drive comes from gratitude for your current well-being and the desire to maintain it.

2. The Truth: Gratitude as a Foundation for Growth
   Explanation: Gratitude can be a powerful foundation for ambition. When you’re grateful, you cultivate a positive mindset that fosters resilience and openness to new opportunities. This mindset supports your current state and propels you forward in your ambitions.
   Tip: Each day this week, take a moment to reflect on how gratitude has influenced your growth. Write down three things you’re thankful for that have contributed to your progress, whether it’s a supportive mentor, a valuable experience, or an inner strength you’ve developed.

3. The Growth: Gratitude with a Growth Mindset
   Explanation: When combined with a growth mindset, gratitude catalyses continuous improvement. A growth mindset encourages us to see challenges as opportunities, and gratitude helps us appreciate those opportunities, even when they’re tough.
   Together, they create a powerful force for personal and professional development.
   Tip: Practice viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. When faced with a challenge, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” and “How can I be grateful for this experience?” This approach will help you stay motivated and resilient as you pursue your goals.

Inside the Author Mind: Gavin’s Notes

I have spoken a lot about Gratitude to a few people over the last year, and the subject of wanting more but feeling guilty always raises its head.

It’s a two-pronged, self-harming sort of guilt.

1. I am not grateful for what I have, which makes me feel guilty.

2. I want more of something, which makes me feel guilty.

When both come at you, it’s hard to take a step back and allow yourself to think of wanting more.

It’s because we associate wanting more with greed … particularly when we compare ourselves to others who are less fortunate—the perception of greed leaks into guilt.

 For me, I frame it around value.
Wanting more is wanting to grow so that I can, in time, add value.
If we can find value in our growth, especially when returning that value, the view of guilt gets turned on its head.

Remember, the art of giving is to make yourself feel just as good as the person receiving.

So want more…
Grow
.. and when you give back through your value add … appreciate your growth. Others will appreciate it, too.

Links to external articles:

from medium -> Gratitude - Because Being Thankful And Wanting More Is A Thing, People!

Best,
Gavin

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Call to Action

Try it today:

1. Morning Gratitude: Start your day by identifying one thing you’re grateful for that supports your growth.

2. Midweek Reflection: Take five minutes midweek to reflect on how gratitude has influenced your ambitions.

3. Weekend Wrap-up: Journal about a goal you’ve worked towards this week and how your sense of gratitude played a role in it.

As we embark on this journey of blending gratitude with ambition, let’s embrace the power of both. Use gratitude as a compass to guide your growth, and let your ambitions drive you toward new heights. Each step reflects where you’ve been and where you’re headed. Let’s make this week a celebration of progress and potential.

Have a fantastic week ahead, friends. Here’s to embracing both gratitude and ambition in our lives!

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