According to Forbes, only 8% of people achieve their new year’s resolutions. That’s a really low percentage, but it’s probably true because I rarely keep mine. So instead of writing new year’s resolutions this year, you should start your year on a positive note. Everyone should live a positive and thankful life. Having a positive mindset doesn’t happen overnight. But one way to improve your mindset is to start a gratitude jar challenge.
Gratitude Jar Challenge
Many of you have probably heard of a gratitude jar challenge. Ten years ago the Gratitude Jar Challenge was very popular on Pinterest. The Gratitude Jar concept is an easy and effective activity. All you need are three props to get started: a empty jar, a piece of blank paper, and a pair of scissors. You want to use the scissors to cut the paper into small slivers. The size of the jar you use will depend on the length of your challenge. But you can purchase a large mason jar on Amazon if you need one. Or just recycle an old tomato sauce jar.
All you have to do is write down one thing you are grateful for. I know what your thinking, “I’m going to run out of things to write down after day 3”! Don’t worry, I got you!
Below are some examples:
- You can write a good thing that happened to you
- You can write something you are grateful for
- You can write a characteristic you are grateful to have
- You can write a body part or facial feature you are grateful to have
- You can write about an activity you are glad you participated in
- You can write about a person you are grateful to have in your life
- You can write about a topic or skill you are grateful to have learned
- You can write about a funny moment of joke you heard
- You can write about a blessing you received
You can do this daily or weekly whichever time frame fits into your schedule. Once you write down your gratitude you place the piece of paper in your Gratitude Jar.
Most people do this activity for 30 days or a full year. It’s up to you. Then at the end of the challenge ( 30 days or a year), you read each piece of paper.
The Power of Positive Thinking
In addition, to the Gratitude Jar Challenge, you should learn more about the benefits of positive thinking. I highly recommend the book The Power of Positive Thinking, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. I read this book a few years ago and it was amazing. It completely changes the way you think about life’s events. I actually started this book via an audiobook. But quickly realized that this book was full of gems and useful nuggets. I kept rewinding the book to hear certain parts again. So, I immediately order the hardcopy book on Amazon so that I could highlight and book ear my favorite parts. For real, I only made it two chapters in, before I order the book. It’s that good.
Here are some quotes from the book:
” The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” ~ Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
” I place this day, my life, my loved ones, my work in the Lord’s hands. There is no harm in the Lord’s hands, only good. Whatever results, if I am in the Lord’s hands it is the Lord’s will and it is good. ” Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
” Formulate and stamp indelible on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture… Do not build up obstacles in your imagination. ~ Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
Cheers to a happy and positive new year!
Be sure to share this article with anyone that might need a boost of positivity in their life. Although this article talks about new year’s resolutions, you can start this challenge at any time.
Bonus tip: If you like the idea of positive thinking you should make a reverse bucket list. I did and loved the exercise. Check out my reverse bucket list here. It’s a great way to celebrate your achievements when you are feeling unaccomplished.
