Why Gratitude Opens Doors That Cynicism Closes

Here is something I have observed in my years of teaching and studying human nature: the people who achieve the most are almost always the most thankful.

That might seem like a coincidence. It is not.

Thanksgiving opens the windows of possibility. It opens the door of appreciation. It opens the door to receive even more. And here is what closes all doors: cynicism.

The Two Mindsets

You become cynical about the past and cynical about the future and cynical about everybody and even cynical about yourself. That locks up all the doors, closes all the channels and the windows of opportunity and ideas to flow.

I have met people with extraordinary talent who accomplished very little, and when you spent time with them, you understood why. They were cynical about everything. Cynical about the economy. Cynical about their industry. Cynical about the people around them. And that cynicism acted like a lock on every door that might have opened for them.

Then I have met people of average talent who accomplished extraordinary things. And when you spent time with them, you understood why as well. They were thankful. Thankful for what they had. Thankful for the people in their lives. Thankful for every small opportunity that came their way.

Every Little Thing

Here is the key. If we cancel out cynicism and replace it with thanksgiving for every little thing, every small thing — not just freedom to live in a fabulous country, but every little thing that comes your way — be thankful.

Be thankful for the lesson that came from the failure. Be thankful for the friend who told you the truth. Be thankful for the morning that gave you another chance to try.

I have found that gratitude does not just make you feel better. It makes you see better. When you are thankful, you notice opportunities that the cynical person walks right past. When you appreciate what you have, you attract more of what you want.

The Practice

So here is my challenge to you: for the next seven days, begin each morning by writing down three things you are genuinely thankful for. Not grand things — small things. The conversation you had yesterday. The book you are reading. The fact that someone believed in you enough to give you a chance.