Steps to Enhance Your Self-Actualization: Express Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Years ago I had the honor of working as a research assistant for Dr. Jim Long, Chair of the Psychology Department at Appalachian State University. Dr. Long and I designed a research project that attempted to answer a very simple yet profound question: what factors predict happiness?

To answer this question, we surveyed a number of elderly people who served as our “participants” in the study. We asked them a number of questions that we thought would predict happiness late in life, such as their net worth, family relationships, health, and many, many others. Based on our analysis we were only able to identify one factor that had a statistically significant correlation with happiness (i.e., this factor leads to higher levels of happiness) — gratitude.

Think about that for a moment – it’s not how much money you have in your bank account, it’s whether or not you’re thankful for what you have, that ultimately determines your happiness. I remember one individual – a retired entrepreneur – who was a multi-millionaire and in great health. But, most of his energy was still focused on a business deal from the 1970s that had gone wrong, and the couple of hundred-thousand dollars he had lost (and, how much he estimated that would be worth today.) He had plenty of money and had retired to mountains of North Carolina in excellent health, but was unhappy and bitter.

Your takeaway – As we gather today to give thanks for our many blessings, consider where you currently are on the Gratitude Scale. Do you see the glass as half empty or half full? Expressing gratitude and thankfulness is not only psychologically healthy, it will help ensure that you’re happy and content in life – both now and later – regardless of the size of your bank account.