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Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love it. It’s not just about the tryptophan-induced food coma that ends the day, or the nonstop football on TV that serves as ambiance, or even the crazy debates that take place around the dinner table. For me, it’s about taking a moment to be thankful. And there’s a lot to be thankful for — even in 2020. It’s sometimes hard to see it amid the insanity around us, but if you can turn down the noise and focus, you’ll find that it’s there, right in front of you.
I know that this post isn’t really about negotiating. And you certainly don’t need someone else in your life telling you what to do, so I won’t be that guy. Instead, I’ll just share with you my 5 Rings of Thankfulness in the hope that it might help you to find the things you can be grateful for.
My 5 Rings of Thankfulness began as an exercise, helping me to be mindful about those who have a positive impact on my life. Success is never a solo journey; it always comes with great support and multiple people working together. No matter how big or small my accomplishments, I appreciate that many people have helped me to get where I wanted to be. With that, I’ll dive right in.
Colleagues: These are the people who I get to work with every day. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing folks in my career, and I’ve learned a lot from them. I’m so thankful for their perspectives and lessons, and without them I wouldn’t be the professional that I am today. I have to say that I’m so grateful to my entire team at Scotwork. Each of them shows up every day to create value for our clients and for each other. They’re inspiring to watch, and they make me better by the example that they set.
Mentors: We all need mentors, and I feel that we don’t seek them out as often as we should. My mentors have provided sage advice, blunt feedback, and massive amounts of encouragement. Having someone who’s been there and can provide guidance is invaluable. I’m grateful to have had these people in my life, as they’ve helped me to become the person that I am.
Friends: My friends keep me grounded. They know me best. They accept me for who I am and cheer me on to be the best person that I can be. They’re always there to build me up, yet they also keep me humble. They’re the ones I’ve turned to every day and who, I know, have my back. I’m grateful for having them in my life and for their role in helping me to be a better human being.
Family: My most important ring. I’m so grateful for my family. They’re there for me when I’m at my best and when I’m at my worst. They love me unconditionally. They’re the ones that I spend the most time with — the ones I’m building a life with and for. I’m grateful for the higher purpose that they give me.
Me: Yup, me. I know that may sound weird, but this is the catch-all for all the other things I’m grateful for including the opportunities that have come my way, the talents and skills with which I’ve been blessed, and my overall well-being.
In 2020, I’m probably more thankful for my 5 rings than I’ve ever been. Even though it’s been a challenging year, my rings have been there with me the entire way, helping me to make the most of it.
And one last thing: I’m grateful to you for your continued support o
