In our last show, we talked about 'tater types. Today, we'll tell you about a study that is sure to make you more grateful.
The BIGG Successs Show
Putting The Thanks In Thanksgiving
Welcome to our ninth big success show. Today we'll discuss putting thanks in Thanksgiving. The big success show with George and Mary Lynn. Last show we asked a question. What kind of tater are you? And there's a couple of taters that you definitely want to be. And those are the sweet tater. And the facilitator. Exactly. We've got the complete list and a link to the complete list on our blog today at bigsuccess.com. And now we want to put the thanks in Thanksgiving. And you know, Mary Lynn, Thanksgiving comes once a year here in the United States. It's one day. And so we focus on giving thanks one day, right? So we wanted to just give you a little motivation for today's topic by discussing a study from the University of California at Davis. It was by Dr. Robert Emmons, who's a psychology professor. And we do have a link to his article at bigsuccess.com today. He took the large group and divided them into three smaller groups. The first group, the first small group, recorded the most significant events of each day. The second group recorded minor complaints in hassles. And the third group recorded things for which they were thankful. And guess what happened? Short term, 10 weeks later, by recording these things every day, here's what he found. Group three was more energetic, had a better attitude, more positive attitude, and had fewer physical ailments than the other two groups. Wow. After only 10 weeks, two and a half months. What happened long term? Long term. Group three was more likely to achieve their goals than either of the participants in the other two groups. So basically, by being more thankful and focusing on the good things, you were able to achieve your goals, have more energy, and be healthier. Absolutely. And think about it, though. They didn't do it once a year, did they? After they eaten a whole bunch of turkey and potatoes and watched some football, and they did it every day. And so you need to make this a habit. I guess practice makes perfect, because if you complain every day, then you're going to be a great complainer. And you're not going to have a positive outlook. But if you are grateful every day and focus on the good things in life every day, you're going to have a rosier outlook. You're right. And the thing is, though, a lot of people do just the opposite. No one in our crowd, of course. But you know people who do. We shine stadium lights on our problems and flashlights on our blessings. I would say that's almost human nature, though, to sometimes give more attention to a problem. It is, but as we're seeing from this study, maybe there's a reason to do the opposite. We've got a great example of focusing on the good, a young man by the name of John Bramblett. John went blind at a young age, and doctors to this day still don't know why. And at first he got angry about it. But then he discovered painting. As he let go of his anger, he discovered painting. I know it's ironic, but he has become an amazing painter. You will be blown away by what he can do. And we were so inspired by him that we wrote an article about his story, and you'll find that at bigsuccess.com. We've got a link to it on our blog today as well. But I mean, what's amazing about him is that because he got past what he couldn't do and focused on what he could do, he was able to do something he never even thought he could do. And he's able to share that talent with the world and be an inspiration. It's interesting, Marylin, that in his adversity, he found his gift. That's right, because the most important thing to understand and for us to focus on is that life is a gift. Every day that we have is such a special day. And also to understand that your genes and all the things you've experienced from the time you were born have gone in to making you who you are. Be grateful for your weaknesses and your strengths. That's right, and understand that you are the most precious thing in the entire world, because there's only one of you. Geez, I feel so special right now. Well, good. So let's review what we talked about today. Today we looked at the importance of being thankful, not just today, but every day. And you can find a written summary of today's show on our blog at bigsuccess.com with links to the John Bramblet article and also to the Robert Emmons study. And before we wrap up today, we've got to share our big quote. And our quote comes from several thousand years ago. Now that's what you call timeless wisdom, isn't it? It's by Cicero, the great philosopher, and he said, gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. And remember, greatness begins with gratefulness. Make giving thanks a daily habit. You'll thank yourself for it. We promise. And our next show, we're going to do the second half of this word, Thanksgiving. Put the giving and Thanksgiving. And happy eating today. Until then, here's to your big success. The Big Success Show at B-I-G-G Success.com. [MUSIC PLAYING] (gentle music)