Gratitude is once again in the news this week, partially because of Matthew McConaughey’s acceptance speech at the Academy Awards:
“He has graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or any other human hand. He has shown me that its a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates…”
I’m going to sidestep the religious debate right now, and I want to focus on his comment about the scientific proof of an attitude of gratitude.
I’ve seen several snarky comments in the media, Twitter, etc. about how there is no “scientific proof” behind his claims about gratitude.
And well, I’m here to tell you, THEY ARE WRONG. In fact, here is an article that actually breaks down the results of 40 different studies on gratitude: The 31 Benefits of Gratitude You Didn’t Know About: How Gratitude Can Change Your Life.
So, what in the world does all this have to do with your job search? Well, one topic is about showing appreciation to those in your network. I’ve spoken about this topic multiple times in the past if you would like a refresher!
- The Power of Gratitude- Show Love to Your Network
- Kindness in Networking Goes a Long Way
- Personal Network Appreciation Month
But let me take this one level further.
I would like to to think of one person you know in your daily life – who does not live with an attitude of gratitude. I could name quite a few! These folks have quite a lot in common. Usually, they are critical, negative and whiny. They are always finding fault in others, and the faults in their own lives are the fault of another! You know exactly who I’m talking about now, am I right?
I often find these “Negative Nellies” in the job search world – at networking events, at job seeker groups I speak at. Because of being a Career Coach, I’m often the brunt of their pain – when they come up to me and demand certain answers: “Why don’t recruiters just call me?”, “Why can’t people just ____”, or my ever favorite -“I know I’m getting discriminated against because of my age, don’t tell me I’m not.”
This attitude will hold you back and just undermine your job search efforts completely. Think about it – is this the type of person you’d like to be around? Is this the kind of person you’d want to spend your budget on and bring into your company? Heck no. The negativity and “entitled-ness” of these folks is like a insidious virus – spreading out and infecting anyone it comes into contact with.
Let’s face it – while the market might be improving, it is by no means great. It’s still a buyer’s market – meaning the employers have lots of choices when they go to hire. Right now, they can choose to hire someone they want to work at their company. Never before in my time as a Career Coach, has “the right fit” been such a determining factor in the hiring process.
Studies show that employees would rather work with someone they life rather than someone who is just competent. I can’t blame them, can you?
To sum it all up, let’s start focusing less on “why everything is going wrong” in your jobsearch, and focusing MORE on being the type of person that everyone is dying to work with and for! By choosing just a few of these benefits to focus on, you can not only improve your job search, but your long-term career prospects, and your life as well!
31 Benefits of Gratitude
I’ve bolded the ones that I believe are most likely to be connected to your career.
1. Gratitude makes us happier.
2. Gratitude makes people like us.
3. Gratitude makes us healthier.
4. Gratitude boosts our career.
5. Gratitude strengthens our emotions.
6. Gratitude develops our personality.
7. Gratitude makes us more optimistic.
8. Gratitude reduces materialism.
9. Gratitude increases spiritualism.
10. Gratitude makes us less self-centered.
11. Gratitude increases self-esteem.
12. Gratitude improves your sleep.
13. Gratitude keeps you away from the doctor.
14. Gratitude lets you live longer.
15. Gratitude increase your energy levels.
16. Gratitude makes you more likely to exercise.
17. Gratitude helps us bounce back.
18. Gratitude makes us feel good.
19. Gratitude makes our memories happier.
20. Gratitude reduces feelings of envy.
21. Gratitude helps us relax.
22. Gratitude makes you friendlier.
23. Gratitude helps your marriage.
24. Gratitude makes you look good.
25. Gratitude helps you make friends.
26. Gratitude deepens friendships.
27. Gratitude makes you a more effective manager.
28. Gratitude helps you network.
29. Gratitude increases your goal achievement.
30. Gratitude improves your decision making.
31. Gratitude increases your productivity.
Do you need some help turning things around? Or hitting the reset button on your job search approach? Let me know today!