Skip to main content

Be Grateful: Cultivating a Mindset of Appreciation For a Happier Life. The Twelfth Success Principle - It's Worth Your Wage

Be Grateful: Cultivating a Mindset of Appreciation For a Happier Life. The Twelfth Success Principle - It's Worth Your Wage

#28 09/25/2024

Be Grateful: Cultivating a Mindset of Appreciation For a Happier Life. The Twelfth Success Principle - It's Worth Your Wage

The author recommends bookmarking the 90-Day Success Book as your guide. 

Cultivating a mindset of gratitude has been one of the most transformative changes in my life. Inspired by The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, I've learned that there’s no greater feeling than embracing the abundance of what you have in the present moment. I often say, “You have to love what you have before you can have what you love.” This attitude of gratitude is not just about feeling good; it's also the first step toward mastering delayed gratification. By practicing delayed gratification, you can avoid making impulsive decisions or large purchases that satisfy only momentary desires. That's why I always give myself 24 hours to consider any major purchase.

How to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

So, how can you start to cultivate this mindset? A common suggestion is to make a list of 3-5 things you’re grateful for. I personally keep a gratitude journal and jot down my thoughts each day around noon. This practice helps me align my thoughts and finish my day strong.

A powerful technique is to reflect on 3-5 things you’re grateful for before bedtime and right when you wake up. Each morning, I tell myself, “I’m thankful for this day” or “It’s going to be an amazing day.” Since I began this practice a few years ago, I've noticed a significant shift in how I view my surroundings. I now take the time to appreciate the small, intricate things around my home that remind me of past accomplishments.

Finding Gratitude in Everyday Life

I express gratitude for having a home, a car, and even for paying utility bills. This concept, which I learned from The Secret, encourages you to be thankful for everything. When a utility bill arrives, I add a zero to the amount in my mind and affirm that this money will come back to me. While I’m still working on fully manifesting this belief, I genuinely appreciate the benefits of being a military veteran, which often entitles me to discounts. A few dollars off a sandwich may seem trivial, but it feels like a windfall when viewed through a lens of gratitude.

Understanding the significance of a 10% discount can lead to substantial savings or gains, all based on your perspective. An attitude of gratitude lays the foundation for a positive life, which I’ve explored in more depth in another blog post.

The Impact of Starting and Ending Your Day with Gratitude

Starting your day with gratitude sets a positive tone. Similarly, ending your day with a grateful thought can lead to a restful night’s sleep, paving the way for a refreshed morning. This practice has worked wonders for me, and I encourage you to try integrating gratitude and mindfulness into your daily routine.

In the end, you have nothing to lose—only a life filled with the abundance that surrounds you. Embrace gratitude, and watch how it transforms your perspective and your life.

From the author:


To whomever you are, I write that this publication will encourage you to subscribe and receive updates as we dive into the thirteen successful principles to move life from a roller coaster to less than a ripple. And remember, doing so will be worth your wage.

I look forward to reading your comments below.


Todd

Follow this blog


***Join our community for inspiring content that empowers you to achieve your dreams and master your mindset! Click here to receive weekly notifications. ***  

Discover more about the Thirteen Timeless Success Principles—designed to help you think better, create more value, make wiser financial decisions, and build a life that's truly worth your wage. Discover more here! 

Todd Matherne

From the Author

To whomever you are, I write that this publication will encourage you to subscribe and receive updates as we dive into the thirteen successful principles to move life from a roller coaster to less than a ripple. And remember, doing so will be worth your wage.

I look forward to reading your comments below.

Todd

Follow This Blog
Labels:
Location: Baton Rouge, LA 70806, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below and share your insights or feedback. Your input is valuable and appreciated.

Popular posts from this blog

A Moment of Silence: Embracing Stillness in a Chaotic World

  #10 - 7/24/2024 A Moment of Silence: Embracing Stillness in a Chaotic World We've all been encouraged to pause for a moment of silence, often during solemn occasions. But what if we could harness the power of stillness in our everyday lives? The Magic of the Present Moment A moment of silence isn't just about reflection; it's a gateway to the present moment. By detaching from the past and future, we can fully immerse ourselves in the here and now. A Serendipitous Discovery Recently, I stumbled upon the transformative power of silence. While tending to daily tasks, I found myself drawn to the window, captivated by the rhythmic patter of rain. As I focused on the gentle sound, my mind began to quiet, and a sense of peace washed over me. The Art of Mindfulness This experience opened my eyes to the practice of mindfulness. By simply observing the world around us, we can cultivate a deeper connection to the present moment. This mindful state can be achieved through various tec...
7 comments
Read more

How Starting Age and 401(k) Match Impact Retirement Savings (Realistic Growth Scenarios)

How Starting Age and 401(k) Match Impact Retirement Savings (Realistic Growth Scenarios) #50 - 05/31/2026 Most people underestimate how much timing, behavior, and employer matching contributions impact long-term retirement savings. When it comes to building wealth through a 401(k), the difference between starting at age 25, 30, or 35 is not just meaningful—it can determine whether someone retires with $500K or crosses the $1 million mark. This breakdown uses a realistic employee scenario to show how 401(k) auto-enrollment, employer match percentages, and starting age change long-term outcomes under a consistent investment return assumption. Baseline Scenario (The “Typical Employee” Model) Assumptions: Starting salary: $65,000 Annual return: 7% Employee starts contributing at 3% Auto-escalation: +1% per year until 15% Employer match scenarios: 1%, 3%, and 5% Salary held constant for simplicity This creates a controlled comparison focused on behavior, not promotions or career jumps. Emp...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Wealth Seems to Grow Slowly... Until It Doesn't

  #53 7/12/2026 Why Wealth Seems to Grow Slowly... Until It Doesn't The small financial decisions you make today may be doing far more than you realize. Success Isn't Always Easy to See Have you ever noticed how we tend to admire the end result but rarely appreciate the journey that led there? We see someone retire comfortably, purchase their dream home, or build a sizable retirement account, and it's easy to assume they experienced a lucky break. Maybe they inherited money. Maybe they sold a business. Maybe they landed a high-paying career. Sometimes that's true. But over the years, I've observed another pattern—one that rarely makes headlines. I've watched people make small, seemingly insignificant financial decisions year after year. They lived below their means. They contributed a little more to retirement. They paid off one debt before taking on another. They resisted lifestyle inflation when their income increased. They measured progress instead of chasing...
Post a Comment
Read more