Do you ever get the feeling of never having enough?
Of wishing your life was better? That you made more money as a nurse practitioner? Ever feel guilty you’re not happy with what you have? Do you complete a daily gratitude list?
These are examples of a scarcity mindset. A scarcity mindset makes you feel like there is never enough to go around. Your head is full of negative beliefs. And unless you change those limiting beliefs, they become your reality.
The good thing is, you are in control of your own mind! You can create the mindset shifts and take control of your life. You can become happier and more fulfilled. You can created a better work-life balance. You can overcome nurse practitioner burnout! Continue readying to learn how a gratitude list can help!
What is a gratitude list?
If you want to have a more fulfilled and happy life, try doing a gratitude list!! A gratitude list helps you to become aware of the positives in your life. It helps you to slowly change your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
A gratitude list is something I started doing in my journey of overcoming healthcare burnout. When I started, the list was very short, 3-4 items. Over time, I have become more consistent, completing a gratitude list of at least 10 items every day.
How to do a gratitude list
Here’s how to complete a gratitude list. Find a quiet space with 5-10 minutes blocked off and free from interruptions. Grab a pen and notebook, it makes it more concrete to write these down.
Think of small things you are thankful for and choose different items every day.
- Thankful for a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning
- Thankful my MA always puts in the patient information in a timely manner
- Thankful for my nurse practitioner colleague that always answers my questions
- Thankful for the thoughtful conversation with my patient
- Thankful for my daughters bad, but funny, jokes
- Thankful for snuggles from my dog
If you don’t currently have the time to sit down and write out what you are thankful for, you can also complete the practice by saying the blessings out loud. When you are driving to work, take some time and acknowledge what makes you happy. When you lay down at night, make it a point to think of what you are grateful for.
Impact of a gratitude list
When we become aware and write down the things we are thankful for, it helps to train our brains to become positive. We might find ourselves identifying things we are thankful for throughout the day. We might find ourselves in a better mood and sleeping better at night.
When we work on powering an abundance mindset, we realize there is enough for everyone in the world. We are calm and fulfilled in life. Sure, our mindset can change from minute to minute but a gratitude list is a perfect way to keep our lives abundant!
Creating a gratitude list does not have to be hard. Yet, it can have a significant impact on overcoming burnout and overall happiness in your life!
Create this healthy habit starting today!
For time management and charting tips, check out The Nurse Practitioner Charting School– The one stop for all documentation resources created specifically for nurse practitioners. Learn more at www.npchartingschool.com
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