Several years ago I wrote an article entitled “Are You Thankful or Thinkful?” Please go read it. Both this article and the earlier one should be implemented hand-in-hand.
Today I want to talk with you about Thinksgiving. That’s right, today we are going to explore “Thinks” and “Giving.” Don’t get me wrong, being thankful is very important, and you should be thankful every day.
First … my definitions.
Thanksgiving
One day set aside each year that most spend with family and friends eating way too much food, laughing and having a good time, while being thankful for God, one another, and their worldly possessions.
Thinksgiving
Every day – that’s right, 7 days a week – in which you have the opportunity to think about how you can help others and then take the action necessary to give. This giving can be of your time, talent, energy and sometimes money (if that is what you wish to give).
Let’s get into the meat and you’ll see what I mean. (Pardon the pun; since it’s Thanksgiving I can’t help myself.)
T Think about others.
Make a conscious effort daily to think about someone besides yourself and your needs.
H Help others to succeed.
Find out what others are struggling with and offer your help. It’s that simple.
I Investigate don’t assume.
Put out the extra effort necessary to investigate a situation and then offer the help someone really needs.
N No is no.
Take no for an answer. Opinions are great, but not always requested or necessary.
K Knowledge is power.
Learn something new each day and share the knowledge with others later.
S Share what you know.
You are _____ old and you have _____ experience in the world. Share these experiences with others.
G Grow others.
Just like you water plants to grow, grow people. Add patience, encouragement, friendship and a listening ear generously.
I Intentions are not action.
How many times have you intended to do _____ for someone and didn’t? Stop intending. Start acting. It’s easy.
V Victory is for all.
Notice I didn’t say vicious. Things like taking credit for a team success is vicious. Share the victory. More than one can have the same successes.
I Inquire how to serve.
Patty Farmer always asks her connections “How can I serve you?” This serving attitude helps others, and in turn gets others asking how they can serve someone else.
N No is not always no.
Yes, no is still no, but sometimes, no means “not right now.” Identify which you are hearing, and act accordingly.
G Give forgiveness.
Remembering what someone did wrong is easy, instead take the high road and forgive. It’s good for you and for them.
The simple fact is you can say “Thank You” every day in your actions by celebrating “Thinksgiving.” And many likely do. If you do, keep it up, if you don’t, start TODAY!
How do you define “Thinksgiving”? Comment below and let’s discuss.
Disclosure: I discovered when putting the final touches on this post that #Thinksgiving is a popular hashtag on Twitter and Facebook. So this concept I shared is not a new one, but one many others have been advocating.
Lissa Duty
Lissa Duty is Social Media Coach, Author, Speaker & Trainer. 20 years of marketing, administrative and management experience working to grow your business.