A step by step tool for top achievers

Step 16: Be Grateful But Do Not Expect Gratitude
Gratitude is a beautiful word. We must be thankful. Gratitude is a feeling. It improves our
personality and builds character. Gratitude develops out of humility. It is a feeling of
thankfulness toward others. It is conveyed through our attitude towards others and
reflects in our behavior. Gratitude does not mean reciprocating good deeds because
gratitude is not give and take. A good deed cannot be canceled by a counter act. Things
such as kindness, understanding, and patience cannot be repaid. What does gratitude
teach us? It really teaches us the art of cooperation and understanding. Gratitude must
be sincere. A simple thank-you can be gracious. Many times we forget to be thankful to
the people closest to us, such as our spouse, our relatives, our friends. Gratitude would
rank among the top qualities that form the character and personality of an individual with
integrity. Ego stands in the way of showing gratitude. A gracious attitude changes our
outlook in life. With gratitude and humility, right actions come naturally.
Gratitude ought to be a way of life, something which we cannot give enough of. It can
mean a smile, or a thank you, or a gesture of appreciation.

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Think of your most precious possessions. What makes them special? In most cases, the
gift is less significant than the giver. Seldom are we grateful for the things we already
possess.
Think back and try to recall the people who had a positive influence on your life. Your
parents, teachers, anyone who spent extra time to help you. Perhaps it appears that they
just did their job. Not really. They willingly sacrificed their time, effort, money and many
other things for you. They did it out of love and not for your thankfulness. At some point,
a person realizes the effort that went in to help them shape their future. Perhaps it is not
too late to thank them. And it is time to reciprocate. Love requires sacrifice.