A Simple Expression That Makes A Lasting Impression

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece is by special contributor Sheriff Osni, a graduate student at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” ~ Frank A. Clark

While there are many significant and necessary qualities that contribute to the making of a successful person chief among them is gratitude. Gratitude is the feeling of being grateful, thankful, and appreciative for receiving something that was requested. In my professional role I make myself available giving of my time, knowledge, experience, and network of resources to anyone who request to meet with me to be of helpful and useful service to their business needs and to assist them to be successful at their project(s).

“Act with kindness but do not expect gratitude.” ~ Confucius

The information I share with every person is very impactful, empowering, allowing, and encouraging, and as soon as we conclude our meeting I am quick to send every person a thank you email for the opportunity to be of service to their needs. Yet I rarely receive a thank you back. Now, I would like to clarify that there was a time that this lack of basic professional courtesy frustrated me, irritated me, troubled me, and even angered me… until I came across Confucius quote above where I became mindful that what troubled me was my ego – my ego was hurt because it was about me and not about rendering a service to someone in need with no expectation in return. I learned to let go of my ego (for the most part) and now, I am not troubled anymore, but I am certainly confused.

“Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” ~ Vince Lombardi

Clearly some people are mindless about basic social and professional courtesy, and mindlessness historically has not been, is currently not, and probably will not be an ingredient in the recipe for success. So be mind.ful to take stock of your regular do’s and don’ts for they make up your habits and not all habits are worth keeping and growing.

“If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.” Gerald Good

I am thankful and grateful to all the people in my life who bring me love, happiness, support, encouragement, bewilderment, challenge, peace, confusion, and chaos that allows me incredible opportunities to experience life more fully.

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson