💡 Want to Feel More Powerful? Try This Simple Act (Issue 141)
The empowering habit you’re probably overlooking
There is quiet power in the simple act of making someone feel truly seen and appreciated.
Recently, I messaged a former coworker from many years ago. I wasn’t asking for a favor, which is what happens all too often when an old colleague messages you out of the blue. Instead, I told them what I had appreciated about them when we worked together with a specific example of something that happened in one of our rougher meetings.
They seemed surprised that I remembered that. And, they also seemed very happy that I went out of my way to reach out and tell them about it.
The power of gratitude is something I’ve talked about before in my career newsletter. I’ve experienced it during my professional career, and I’ve also seen what it can do in my personal life.
Specific gratitude is one of the most empowering habits we can practice.
A generic “Thanks” falls flat
We’ve all experienced shallow gratitude. Heck, we may even be guilty of doling it out to people before:
“Thanks a lot!”
“I appreciate you.”
“You’re the best!”
Thanking people for helping you is better than not, of course. But, this type of quick gratitude isn’t great when someone really made a difference in your life, because it doesn’t explain why they are important to you and why their gesture mattered so much.
Compare a simple “Hey, thanks for chatting with me!” to:
“Thank you for letting me vent to you yesterday without jumping in and trying to solve my problems. You really listened, and I could tell you were there for me. Your support means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
That is way more specific and meaningful. It shows that you genuinely noticed what they did and appreciate it.
Gratitude empowers you
When you express gratitude in a very specific way, it doesn’t just help the other person. It actually empowers you. You are positively changing someone’s life and immediately improving their day. Feeling and expressing gratitude can make you feel more positive and powerful as well.
Research has shown that feeling grateful is associated with:
Greater happiness, joy, and optimism
Better coping skills to deal with stress
Improved progress toward personal goals
Enhanced self-esteem
Increased generosity and empathy
Building and maintaining stronger social relationships
Better physical health, fewer aches and pains, and deeper sleep
Higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, attentiveness, determination, and energy
“I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude.”
— Brené Brown
A challenge for you
Think of one person who made a difference in your life. It could be a family member, friend, former colleague, past boss, teacher, neighbor, or someone else.
Message them with a specific example of something you appreciate about them, what they did for you, and why it mattered so much.
Wait for their response and process what happens.
Finally, take note of how you feel.
This challenge isn’t just about being nice or putting some positivity into the world. It’s about using gratitude to improve the lives of others and, thus, empowering yourself.
People often think of empowerment as acts of power, authority, control, and persuasion. But it can also be acts of generosity and kindness. I know that I often feel my most empowered and powerful when I do good and help others.
Speaking of, I’m always happy to jump on a free call and try to help you with something you’re dealing with. Reach out any time!
I’m Larry Cornett, a coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become more invincible, and create better opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate!
📕 Check out my Invincible Daily Journals. I have one specifically for Summer!
