Page 4 - NBIZ Magazine December 2020

Got

and
Gratitude?

By Leanne Hoagland-Smith, M.S.

J In reflection of 2020, it has been an auge: To estimate or determine ntegrity: To speak to the soundness
unusual year, to say the least. Between Gthe magnitude, amount, or volume Iof mind and adherence to the code of
the expanding economy switching of. To make a sound decision requires moral, artistic, or other values. Years
to a contracting economy due to individuals to gauge what is happen- ago, I heard this definition of integrity
COVID-19 and the election, sometimes ing around them. Research through as doing the right thing when no one
small business owners and leaders, in observation and evaluation is neces- else is looking. Some examples include
general, did not know which way is up. sary so one’s decision will have them realtors who have their own Code of
For those who survived, and continue ahead of the flow instead of behind, Ethics, or companies that have their
to survive, even if they are just holding thereby allowing individuals to take Value Statements, and/or individuals
on by their fingertips, it seems this advantage of a situation instead of just that live by the Golden Rule or even the
year has captured what Americans call coping with it. Ten Commandments.
GRIT and GRATITUDE.
One definition of GRIT is “firmness esilience: To recover and adjust. enacity: To do what needs to be
of the mind.” In one of my favorite RWhen significant changes are Tdone demands holding fast, being
movies, True Grit, John Wayne happening during the decision-making persistent, and courageous. When
as Rooster Cogburn makes this process, the ability to recover and one is unsure of the next step or what
statement: adapt is critical. This mindset helps the future may hold, standing by any
“True grit is making a decision and one to not be stifled by a potential decision is not for the faint of heart.
standing by it, doing what must be done.” misfortune during turbulent times but During times of unknown and unex-
For me, this statement raises three to be prepared and willing to adjust. pected change, those who persevere
questions: (1) What mindset (think These four statements (courtesy of also demonstrate the behaviors of
attitude) goes into making a decision? Nancy Proffitt, professional business GRATITUDE and reinforce the GRIT
(2) What ethics, values, or beliefs, must coach and consultant) may encourage mindset. Recognizing these behaviors
be present? (3) What behaviors turn personal resilience: along with values and/or beliefs that
that mindset into action? These three 1. Accept the challenge or change are integrated with this word of GRATI-
questions had me researching dictio- 2. Do not let the challenge or TUDE may help one understand GRIT.
naries seeing what could define these, change define you
and I realized the letters in GRIT as 3. Invest in reflection time before racious: To be kind, courteous.
well as GRATITUDE answered all taking new actions GThis specific behavior is strongly
three questions. 4. Have gratitude aligned to one’s individual code of

4 NBIZ ■ December 2020