Bonus and the gratitude factor

Christmas season is coming up. You would now be hearing Christmas carols being played in department stores and restaurants. I also play them in my seminars as I wind up this year’s speaking commitments.

Each time I talk to audiences both young and old, I would ask, “So, how many among you have had their first installment for this year’s bonus?” A lot would raise their hands and smile. It is amazing what the word “bonus” can do to a person, adding value to those faces.

My next question would be, “How many among you received your bonuses last year?” This time, you would be seeing a sudden change in their expression. From smiling faces, now to confused ones, wondering what their speaker is talking about. Hands still would go up. Then, I would deliver the punch line: “So how long did the bonus last in your hands before you let it all go?”

They would laugh again. Some would say, “One day.” Another would say, “Two days.” Others would say, “One minute?” And only a rare one or two in my two hundred-person audience would say, “They are still with me today because I have saved it.”

I guess the point is clearly delivered.

Hold on to your bonuses. Keep them. Save them. Use it for emergency funds. Pay off your debts using them, and do not throw it all away for things you do not actually need, entertaining the self-made rationale that “you deserve it.”

Of course you deserve it, but it does not mean you should splurge it all.

Now, some people would be gravely disappointed with the bonuses they would receive, expecting more, robbing them out of their happiness. Others may not expect anything at all, but when given some amount to them, would still show immeasurable joy.

Whether the bonus is big or small, there is one factor here that would make a person grow his or her happiness regardless of its amount. And that is that old fashioned virtue called “Gratitude.”

The great orator Cicero says: “A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues.”

Scriptures say: “In everything give thanks.”

For some, the year-end bonus is a blessing. It brings them joy. But for others, the year-end blessing is a lot less than what they want and expect, and worse, they see others receive a lot more and causes their hearts to bear anger and resentment. And thus, with the Gratitude factor missing, the blessing becomes a curse.

The joy dies when “I am so thankful” replaces “I deserve more.”

The attitude of gratitude has really helped me in many areas of my life. It has given me a tremendous sense of joy that translates to less stress and leads to physical and emotional well-being.

The attitude of gratitude has brought tremendous business opportunities through repeat clients. They can sense my sincerity when I thank them for the business.

The attitude of gratitude is contagious as every member of my family has learned to enjoy simple joys in life. They share their blessings with others and enjoy the happiness with them as well.

The attitude of gratitude has educated my own kids to handle their finances very well knowing that money cannot buy them happiness, but their sense of well-being, excellent service to their clients coupled with hard work and increased competence bring them more money in the process.

There are so many benefits that come with the habit of gratitude. At the same time, there are actually so many good things that you and I can be thankful for even on a hard and difficult day.

Blogger Jeff Walker suggests that before we go to bed, think of 3 wins today that we can be grateful for and think of 3 wins tomorrow we look forward to so that the wins can bring out the gratitude in us. If we were to do this for a month, it could be a permanent part of our routine.

Why not make each day a “Thanksgiving Day?”

There will always be things that we can be grateful for and this is why I will tell you a popular thanksgiving story to stress this point.

The entire family sat around the table. Before they began their Thanksgiving feast, each member spoke a few words about what they were thankful for.

Little Johnny’s dad was thankful for the raise at work. Grandma was thankful for the long life she had lived. Mom was thankful for her loving family.

When it was Johnny’s turn, he hesitated.  After a few moments of thought, he said, “I’m thankful that I’m not a turkey!”

Put gratitude into yourself for the bonus you will be receiving.

(Start the New Year right with Francis Kong. Sign up to update and upgrade your leadership and life skills with his highly acclaimed “Level Up Leadership” workshop seminar Jan. 13-14 at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries contact Inspire at 09158055910or call 632-6310912 or 6310660 for details.)