Turn the Practice of Gratitude Toward Yourself

One of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs and small business owners is that there is always so much to do, that the feeling of overwhelm and the focus on the never-ending to do list can become a chronic state of mind.

Right now, my list of projects is so long that if I were to focus on all of it at once, I could easily slip into a very negative state of mind. Believe me, it has happened a time or two.

So something I have learned as I move forward with building my business is to consciously take the time and energy to acknowledge all I have already done and all goals I have already achieved. I give credit where credit is due, before moving onto the next project in the pipeline. I will actually stop and say, “Good job Kathleen,” and pat myself on the back, after I complete something.

This simple act completely takes the wind out of the sails of my ever-present Inner Critic who is constantly focused on all I still have to do. This non-stop focus on all that is yet undone is the main source of anxiety that can paralyze entrepreneurs. It creates a frantic feeling that zaps the joy and pleasure of creativity, and it sets up a vibration of desperation, that does nothing for your magnetism, which is a key factor in marketing your business.

Giving yourself a pat on the back is a way to get PRESENT TO WHAT IS, which is liberating. It is a way to bring back the enjoyment that is one of the 3 keys to being fully awake in your life and business.

Studies have shown that 2/3 of Americans suffer from low self-esteem. That is a phenomenally high number in a country where we spend so much time getting educated and striving. Something seems to be missing in the feed-back loop of our accomplishments!

If you don’t stop to acknowledge what you have done, you live in SCARCITY consciousness, which separates you from SOURCE. This makes everything you do laden with effort and struggle.

If actually patting yourself on the back seems too strange, don’t worry. There are many ways you can get the needed “soul food” that will nourish you with the motivation to continue growing and improving your business.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Make a regular practice of acknowledging 3 things you have accomplished, no matter how big or small, at the end of each day, to yourself! You can speak it out loud or write it down, but it must be one or the other. This is one of the most powerful tools you can use to offset the limiting and discouraging voice of the Inner Critic, which we all have.

2. Join a networking group where you feel really connected, and attend regularly. If they do not already have a practice in place, you can suggest it---every person says one thing they are celebrating in their personal or business life from that week, no matter how big or small.

3. Join a mastermind group (or create one) with other entrepreneurs where you gather by phone or in person on a regular basis and begin the time together by sharing a win or something you want to celebrate.

4. Take a break and do something pleasurable or rewarding. You need to be doing something like getting a massage or a facial on a regular basis, as a part of self-care, but sometimes it is good to simply stop and do something special as a celebration of completing a challenging project. This can be as simple as listening to a soothing meditation CD, or taking yourself out to your favorite eating spot.

5. Stop comparing yourself to others! Making this shift has been one of the most significant success accelerators in my business. It brought me back to myself, and away from comparing myself to others who are much further along in their business. This is a common mistake many new business owners make. It is important to learn from successful entrepreneurs, but you can easily discourage yourself if you are diminishing your accomplishments rather than being inspired.

6. Give credit where credit is due!! Offer Gratitude to the Powers that Be!!! Each of us is a co-creator with the Source of all Creation. When you stop and consciously shift to a state of appreciation, you are honoring your own Divine nature.

Here is what the amazing Wallace D. Wattles says in his famous book, The Wisdom of Wallace D. Wattles: including The Science of Getting Rich, The Science of Being Great and The Science of Well Being.

“There is a Law of Gratitude, and it is absolutely necessary that you should observe the law, if you are to get the results you seek. The law of gratitude is the natural principle that action and reaction are always equal, and in opposite directions. The grateful outreaching of your mind in thankful praise to the Supreme is a liberation or expenditure of force; it cannot fail to reach that to which it is addressed, and the reaction is an instantaneous movement towards you. ‘Draw nigh unto God, and He will draw nigh unto you.’ That is a statement of psychological truth.

And if your gratitude is strong and constant, the reaction in Formless Substance will be strong and continuous; the movement of the things you want will be always toward you. You cannot exercise much power without gratitude; for it is gratitude that keeps you connected with Power. But the value of gratitude does not consist solely getting you more blessings in the future. Without gratitude you cannot long keep from dissatisfied thought regarding things as they are.”

So take the time and give credit where credit is due!!!! You will be all the wealthier for it in every way!!!!!