Do you have an Attitude of Gratitude? You should. Let me tell you why.

Research on happiness, contentment and satisfaction with life reveals a correlation between emotional well-being and a number of mental factors. Chief among these psychological processes is what we can refer to as an attitude of gratitude.

Studies show that there is a positive correlation between people who appreciate what they have and those who report being happy, content and satisfied with life. Knowing that this relationship exists, we are able to enhance our emotional well-being. This helps us cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

One way for assessing whether you have an attitude of gratitude consists of looking at how you view the proverbial half-filled glass of water. If you see it as half empty, then you are approaching life with a negative attitude. You are paying attention to what is not there, to what’s missing and to whatever fails to meet your expectations. There is a good chance that you look at things, interpersonal interactions and events of your life in terms of how they are defective, disappointing or in some other way unsatisfying. You are also probably to some degree unhappy, discontent and dissatisfied with life. 

If you see the glass half full, you are paying attention to what is present, to what you have and to what is satisfying in life–even though it may not measure up to your expectations and ultimate desires. You tend to look at the things you have, your interpersonal interactions and the events of your life in terms of how they contribute to your happiness, contentment and emotional well-being. Chances are pretty good that you also describe yourself as being a fairly happy person.

To change a negative attitude or maintain a positive attitude, one technique you may find useful is regularly engaging in a value review. This involves looking at the things, interpersonal interactions and events you encounter each day in terms of how they contribute to your pleasure, your satisfaction and your overall contentment with life. 

You can do a value review in the morning before you begin your day or just before drifting off to sleep at night. You may find it useful to actually write a list of what contributed to your happiness during the day you just finished or the one that is coming up. 

Another technique involves going through a value review with a friend or family member on a daily basis. You can do this during a meal or at some other time when there is a regular opportunity to talk. 

As you develop the practice of doing a daily value review, you should begin to notice an improvement in your overall emotional well-being. 

[Ed. Note: Dr. Douglas Ramm is a psychologist, philosopher, author and leading researcher in the field of emotional well-being, contentment, and life satisfaction. He has appeared on numerous radio and television talk shows where he shares insights for enhancing quality of life. To discover how to enhance yours, click here.]

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