For your mind Is ‘attitude of gratitude’ just another platitude? by John Bittleston (Terrific Mentors International) However hard done by, you have much to be grateful for. Most people recognize the things for which they must be thankful – intellectually; they sometimes fail to recognize them emotionally. It is important that they do so – for their health. What has gratitude to do with health? “There’s some evidence that people who are more optimistic or have a grateful attitude have higher immune functioning,” says Erin Olivo* , Columbia University Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology. Prof Olivo goes on to explain that “The people for whom gratitude is more of a trait than a state, we see that those people tend to be healthier. They tend to be happier. They have stronger social connections and stronger relationships.” The Heart International publication that reported this also said ‘Experts say it’s possible to train yourself to become more grateful so it’s not just an occasional state, but a regular habit.’ They are right. Most of the desirable characteristics of life can be learned. There are three stages to doing so. First, the will to do so. This is the most difficult part, especially for dyed-in-the-wool procrastinators – of whom there are many. Some people really find it difficult to make up their minds. So do some corporations, a strange phenomenon since corporations don’t think. For a corporation the impression of procrastination is all down to leadership. Provided they can identify the Chief Procrastinator the problem can be solved. Once the will to change behaviour – whether for corporation or individual – is determined, Stage Two involves learning the tricks that make behaviour change possible. These are not mystical or illegal; they are perfectly obvious and simple – once you know them. All they require is persistence. Just as old people have to be taught tricks to overcome forgetfulness so the rest of us have to learn the rudimentary rules of NIKE – “just do it”. Role-plays are the best and most enjoyable way. About six, occasionally more, will secure the behaviour. Stage Three is what we call the Polishing Stage. No good having a bright new presence if it isn’t shown to best advantage. Polishing makes your behaviourally-changed personality shine. It is especially important when attitudes and behaviours have been altered. How we see ourselves is at the root of shining. Having a better view of yourself does not involve navel-gazing, quite the opposite. It involves sharpening your view of other people, becoming more interested in them and eliminating any tendency you have to think you are important. Shining is for others to observe, not for the mirror. *Erin Olivo is author of Wise Mind Living: Master Your Emotions, Transform Your Life.