grat·i·tude

/ˈgradəˌto͞od/ Noun - the quality or feeling of being thankful

Having an attitude of gratitude can counter stress and anxiety, as discussed in a recent article published by the Harvard Business Review.[1]

This holiday season I decided to put this finding to the test towards financial worry and concern. Below are excerpts from my personal Financial Gratitude Journal and the prompts I used to write my list.

Pause and reflect on the positive.

Shift your perspective. Improve your overall well-being by focusing on positive emotions and reducing negative thoughts and concerns.

• I have emergency savings to cover the unexpected.

• I spend within my means.

• I am thankful for the opportunity to earn a wage that supports my family.

Bullet your financial accomplishments.

Participants who kept gratitude lists (according to UC Davis research[2]) were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals.

• I have made significant contributions to my kids’ college education funds.

• I am proud to have spent many years as the primary breadwinner and sole mortgage owner in my household.

• I am generous with my charitable giving.

Capture the small stuff.

Be easily impressed.[3] The point of gratitude journaling is to recognize the good things you might otherwise take for granted.

• I enjoy being able to treat my friends and family.

• I appreciate good service and tip well.

• I am intentional with my spending.

Turn your financial focus to what you can control.

When it comes to finances, there are plenty of circumstances outside of your control like federal monetary decisions impacting interest rates, the effects of stock market volatility on your 401(k), and the increased cost of groceries due to inflation. Keeping a financial gratitude journal allows you to turn your focus to the things that matter most and the steps you have already taken on your wealth journey.

As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you to write a financial gratitude journal and reflect on your own personal money accomplishments.

[1] https://hbr.org/2020/10/use-gratitude-to-counter-stress-and-uncertainty

[2] https://emmons.faculty.ucdavis.edu/gratitude-and-well-being/

[3] https://mike-robbins.com/appreciate-the-simple-things/