Take 5
Building a Gratitude Mindset
With Lisa Ryan
TRT: 4m 49s
Video Transcription

Lisa Ryan directly addresses camera:  You're grateful for your life, your family, and your friends, right? How often do you express that gratitude? Gratitude can be a life-changing mindset tool.
I'm Lisa Ryan, chief appreciation strategist and founder of Grategy, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Let's take five minutes to talk about how real estate agents can build a success mindset.
Having spent most of my career in sales, I've learned much about the power of mindset and how gratitude can play a crucial role in achieving success. Let's explore some strategies to help you transform your professional life.

One of the most powerful tools for building a success mindset is gratitude. I discovered this in September 2009 after attending a life-changing conference that included a fire walk. My friends and I decided to keep the energy going by sharing three things we were grateful for every day. This practice profoundly impacted my life and led me to where I am today. 

Gratitude also has significant health benefits, which are crucial for maintaining a success mindset. Research from the Greater Good Science Center shows that choosing positive emotions can strengthen your immune system, improve heart health, enhance sleep quality, and reduce stress. Here's how you can start:

Keep a gratitude journal and every morning, write down three to five things you're grateful for. Add some detail to make it meaningful. Instead of writing, "I'm grateful for my family," say, "I'm grateful for the delicious dinner my spouse cooked last night." This practice helps rewire your brain to focus on the positive.

I like the ABCs of gratitude. Pick a random alphabet letter and think of things you're grateful for that start with that letter. It's a fun and engaging way to shift your focus to the good in your life.

Spend time each day reflecting on positive experiences and emotions. This can be as simple as recalling a pleasant interaction with a client or a successful sale.

And, this one is a biggie, because we all know that life comes with frustration. How you react is essential. Choose compassion instead of anger. Studies show that five minutes of anger can reduce your immune system's effectiveness for up to six hours, whereas five minutes of compassion can enhance it. Practice empathy and understanding in your interactions.
Next, strengthen relationships by taking a pause. Before walking in the door after a tough day, take a moment to get to neutral. This helps you avoid taking out your stress on those who support you the most.

Remember to show gratitude to your colleagues, buyers, and sellers. A simple thank-you note or verbal acknowledgment can go a long way in building strong, positive relationships. Look for ways to give people tangible evidence of a job well done, like a handwritten note. Even if your handwriting isn't perfect, the gesture will be appreciated.

To kickstart your journey towards a success mindset, I recommend the 30-day gratitude challenge. Keep a notebook by your bed and write down three to five things you're grateful for every morning. This practice will help you start your day on a positive note and gradually shift your focus toward the good in your life. After developing the habit for 30 days, you'll likely notice a change in your outlook, and you will be set up to continue your gratitude practice. 
Then, take five minutes at the end of the day to reflect on gratitude. Whether it's through a gratitude journal, a verbal thanks, or a letter of appreciation, make it a point to acknowledge the good in your life and the efforts of those around you. This practice not only enhances your mindset but also strengthens your connections with others.

Building a success mindset is an ongoing journey, but with gratitude as your guide, you'll find it easier to navigate the ups and downs of your career. By embracing gratitude, prioritizing your health, strengthening your relationships, and committing to regular reflection, you'll be well on your way to achieving your desired success. Remember, small, consistent actions make the biggest difference. Start today and watch how your mindset transforms your professional and personal life.