“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
John F. Kennedy
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s a day when we celebrate all that we are thankful for. Being thankful for what you have and have not, helps you deal with the good and the bad, both at home and at work. In positive psychology research, gratitude correlates with greater happiness and improved health. When we are grateful it makes us feel more positive.
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.” — Douglas Wood
When my wife and I arrived in Florida from South Africa to start TheHomeMag, we had no experience in publishing or sales. We did what many startups do: work, fail, work, fail, until we succeeded. Without the help of friends, family, co-workers, partners, and acquaintances we would not have made it. I am very grateful to everyone who participated positively in our journey.
In 2008 we moved to California. I knew the only way TheHomeMag was going to succeed was to find great people to work together. To start I already had my greatest support, my wife. Together, I knew we could overcome any obstacle. The two of us soon became four, and we continued to grow.
Today as I sit in my office, I see a solid team working together to create six magazines every four weeks. At the end of each month’s publication cycle, we celebrate our accomplishments. When we make our goals, I reward the team with a day off from magazine production.
Many years ago, someone gave me golden advice. You don’t have a business unless you surround yourself with great people to help make it all happen. It took hard work, honest conversations, tough decisions, and many hours of labor to build the team I have today. Building a winning team is worth all the pain, obstacles, and adversity along the way. No one reaches success on their own. Your team foretells your future.
Giving thanks lifts everyone’s spirits. Remember to thank your team not just around the holidays but all year long.
To my Team – I am grateful for all of you. Happy Thanksgiving!
– Ralph
Sources: The Journal of Positive Psychology, Harvard Medical School
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17439760.2013.776623
