Over the years I’ve come across two groups of people. Those that are thankful and appreciative of others and those that aren’t. Having an attitude of gratitude is one of the keys to business as well as life.

There is nothing more sickening then a person that believes the world revolves around them, their needs and their desires. This self-centred approach to life is anything but gracious and loving. They are the true consumers of society. Rather than bringing joy, like a blackhole, they consume the life out of those around them. We all know people like this and I can only pity them as they search in vain for fulfillment in their life.

I was talking to a person the other day and they were moaning and groaning about how they hated their job. To cut a long story short, I politely listened and then said, “Is this the same job that puts food on your table?” They went quiet and then said, “I suppose so.” I then suggested that they be grateful for their job as there are many people that don’t have one.

I saw the same person the next week and they had a smile on their face. I asked them what had changed and they said, “Their attitude.” After talking to each other the previous week they decided to be positive about their job and bring a good attitude to work. Amazingly, the job magically improved and they had a great time each day. They learned to be thankful for what they have.

Not everyone is suited for every job but it’s incredible how a task can become more enjoyable if you stop grumbling and starting thanking those around you for the opportunity. If you’re in a job that you really don’t like then move on or take another approach.

It really does my head in when I hear people tell me that they love their job but can’t stand their boss. They then plan on quitting their job and moving on. Why not stay in your job and pass your boss’s resumé onto a headhunter. With any luck your boss will get a great job and you’ll continue to love your work…..it’s win/win for everyone. Just be creative about thinking how you can help your boss (and you) out.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been discussing how I’ve been marketing my book with no money. In my case, I’m finding out how I can help other authors. I’m trying to contribute to the idenpendent author community and assist those around me in promoting their books. I’m a firm believer in, “What goes around, comes around.”

Taking an attitude like this into a community means that I’m not trying to push my product but I am trying to promote theirs. What’s amazing is that many people respond much better to this approach and help you out as well.

I love the domain industry and each and every day I’m grateful to be a part of it. Domainers are incredible people, they saw an opportunity, seized it with both hands and on the whole do what they can to help those around them. They are very special people and many of them do incredible work for no pay to help those that can't help themselves.

When I recently released my debut scifi book, Battleframe, I let the domain community know about it and they supported me in droves. I received so many well wishes from my friends in the industry (and outside the industry) that it was almost impossible to respond to them all. It was a truly humbling experience and I want to once again say thank you to you for your support.

When my wife and I sit at the breakfast table we try and say something that we’re grateful for. Yes, I know that it’s really corny but you’d be amazed at how life suddenly becomes a little bit better for forcing yourself to be grateful for something, anything! It could be the weather, our kids, the fact that our parents are still alive after both our fathers had heart bypass operations. There’s just so much to be grateful for…..I wonder what life would be like if you tried doing this.

All the best, Michael.

---------------------------------------------------

Michael Gilmour has been in business for over 32 years and has both a BSC in Electronics and Computer Science and an MBA. He was the former vice-chairman of the Internet Industry Association in Australia and is in demand as a speaker at Internet conferences the world over. Michael is passionate about working with online entrepreneurs to help them navigate their new ventures around the many pitfalls that all businesses face. He also recently published his first scifi book Battleframe.