🧭 Why Gratitude Is The Best Predictor of Happiness

Good day, and welcome to The Growth Compass. We are that extra dose of 5-hour energy this morning for you: days of greatness and no crash later.

Here’s where we’re headed today:

• Jay Shetty on gratitude

• Why gratitude matters

• Gratitude is the #1 predictor of overall well-being

• Steve Jobs on the secrets of life

Jay Shetty’s Thoughts on Gratitude

"There are so many things in the world that could be invisible to the material eye, and when you take a moment, to stop, to pause, to be present and notice them - that’s gratitude."

- Jay Shetty

Why Gratitude Matters

What is gratitude: Gratitude is a profound and heartfelt appreciation for the positive aspects of life. It is acknowledging the kindness and generosity of others, and recognizing the value of our own experiences and blessings. It involves a sense of thankfulness and a genuine recognition of the interconnectedness of our lives.

Why does gratitude matter: Gratitude matters because it fosters emotional well-being by promoting a positive outlook on life.

• It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.

• It builds resilience.

• It encourages personal growth by promoting adaptability.

• It strengthens relationships by enhancing empathy and nurturing a sense of reciprocity, leading to deeper social connections.

What Science Says About Gratitude

In the world of positive psychology, there's a fascinating link between our character strengths and our overall well-being (we discussed the 24 character strengths in a previous blog here). One of these strengths, in particular, stands out as a key player in making us feel happier and more fulfilled: gratitude.

Gratitude is all about appreciating the good things in our lives, big or small. It's like having a magical ingredient that can boost your well-being.

Here's why gratitude is important: Think of your well-being like a puzzle, with pieces like positive emotions, good relationships, a sense of purpose, and achievement. These pieces come together to create a happy and satisfying life. Gratitude is the super glue that holds these puzzle pieces together. When you're thankful for what you have, it makes you feel more positive, strengthens your relationships, and gives your life more meaning.

Information on the study: The study discusses the relationship between character strengths and well-being, with a focus on the field of positive psychology. The study involved collecting data from 517 individuals aged 18 to 71 and aimed to identify which character strengths are most predictive of well-being. In the study, all but one of the 24 character strengths were individually correlated with well-being, with hope, gratitude, and love of learning being the top three strengths most strongly associated with well-being.

The study further evaluated those three and revealed that gratitude and love of learning were the only significant independent positive predictors of well-being, with love, honesty, hope, and humor coming close.

The single best predictor of well-being was found to be gratitude.

Summary and Takeaway: Studies have shown that people who practice gratitude regularly tend to be happier and more content. It's like a happiness booster! And the best part? You don't need to be a gratitude guru to benefit from it. Simply taking a moment each day to think about the things you're thankful for can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Below are some example gratitude habits that you can start:

• Write down (or say) 3 things that you are grateful for every day

• Take a moment of gratitude before each meal that you eat

• Write at least 1 thank you letter every week

• Spend 5 minutes visualizing what is good in your life

Steve Harvey on Gratitude

Insightful 1-minute talk from Steve Harvey on gratitude, perspective, and how your focus drives both.

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING ON THE GROWTH COMPASS ?

Fill out this survey and we’ll get back to you soon!

That's a wrap for today. If you want to spread the joy, make sure to refer the newsletter to someone you think would benefit!