Gratitude and goal setting

There is much to be said for giving thanks as well as for goal setting and scheduling your precious time. 

Let's first define gratitude.It is the thankful appreciation for what you receive, tangible or intangible. Numerous studies have demonstrated how gratitude journalling significantly increases happiness levels but also enhances one's health.

Let's get a more in-depth look at the benefits.

* increased happiness and positive

   mood

*more satisfaction with life

*  you become less materialistic

*you are less likely to experience burnout

* better physical health

*less fatigue

*lower levels of of cellular

  inflammation

*greater resilience

*encourages the development of patience, humility and wisdom.

As for goal setting.... well, to be honest, it was much more difficult for me to apply than gratitude. Managing my time and doing so effectively had always been my personal, ruthless nemesis. Now we're coexisting rather uncomfortably but I have high hopes that in the near future we'll be allies to a common goal.

The benefits of goal setting are many and crucial I might add.Some of them are listed below.

1.First of all they provide you with a clear direction and purpose, a destination for which to reach.

2. Goal setting gives you a clear focus of your time and energy. It gives you clarity on your goals and motivates you to take action every single day.

3. It increases productivity tremendously.

4.By sticking to specific, measurable goals you are committed to daily action and it is a great help to visualise your future.

5. It gives you more time freedom.

6. Having goals and recording them daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly makes you more accountable to yourself.

7. Goals give you a clear direction and control over your time and therefore the future you want for 

yourself.

8.Finally, having goals inspires you to take action daily. Thus as momentum picks up and you tick off more goals from your list, satisfaction sets in and increases motivation to carry on.

On a more artistic note, it is extremely satisfactory for me to record both my gratitude and goals with a fountain pen instead of your usual ball pen. Lately I have started collecting fountain pens that give a touch of luxury to what might otherwise seem like a dull obligation. It elevates this daily ritual to a whole different dimension.It has become a pleasure I've come to look forward to every morning.

I'd love to hear from you now.

Do you keep a gratitude and goal setting journal?

What are the greatest benefits for

you?

Do you have any other rituals of gratitude and goal setting?

Let me know in the comments!