People usually think of habits as being somewhat negative. That certainly isn’t the case, and WE determine the final outcome as to the nature of a habit.
Here’s a habit we should strive to perfect as we encourage others to adapt it. Everyone would benefit greatly!
Make yourself comfortable and invest some quiet time to journey through your past, recalling the people who have had an impact on your life.
That list might include a special neighbor, an exceptional teacher, an old classmate, maybe a milkman, a high school janitor, your first boss, a caring coach, a religious leader, a Scout leader, a reliable mechanic, an understanding landlord, an extraordinary relative … you get the idea. We’ve all been fortunate to have these people in our lives. We just never take the time to recall and appreciate them.
Once you’ve compiled your list, and you may be surprised at its length, we move on to our next step.
Choose four—one for each week—to acknowledge.
Under each name, list how they affected your life. Did they act as a mentor, alter the course of your life, assist you in dealing with a crisis?
Now, send them a HANDWRITTEN note … not a fax, text, or e-mail. Make it a long note. Make it very specific telling them exactly why they made a difference in your life, what it means to you today, how much you appreciate their unique contribution and, above all, remember to say, “Thank you!”
You’re going to feel fantastic after doing so and your personal note may very well be the best gift that person receives all year! A beautiful “win-win” situation! In fact, you might consider doing it every month of the year! Happy Holidays!
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.