Last Year’s “holiday” blog on gratitude was very popular and is linked here. The post speaks on the importance of appreciation for a happy life.  The list (in the post) is intended as a practical application of brain science.

But does an attitude of gratitude make you money?

This question caused me to rethink the relationship of ‘spiritual’ or ‘mental health’ principles to profitable business practices. From last year’s blog, the research showed benefits with: relationships, physical and emotional health, reduced anger/isolation, sleep, self-esteem, and even improved brain power!  Cool.

So, do these things cost me money? Or do they help make more money?

Let’s start with the obvious: what’s in an appraiser’s required belief system:  Standards, ethics, and conduct.  Recall that USPAP requires you to be worthy.  Worthy of belief.  Credible.

So, what in that list [click here to see the original list] helps me make more money?  I think the following help me: brain power, self-esteem, less resentment, and physical health.

Now we move through our holidays.  Of gratitude, of giving, of celebrating renewal, and remembering visionaries and our ‘cherry tree’ and ‘Honest Abe’ presidents.

A good time to personally and professionally take a look at self. It led me to humility.

I struggled with the word humility for years, never finding something that made sense.  What I discovered is that it does not mean shy, demeaned, shamed, or humiliated.  The best definition found – humility is:

“a clear recognition of what and who we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to become what we could be.”[1]

This has immense application to my profession as an appraiser, as an asset analyst.  It directs me to look at my competency, my skills and abilities.  To decline work or become competent.  To continue to learn and grow as a human being, and a professional.  To be the best I can be.

To be the best me possible – is the gift I have to return.  I have to.  That is my duty and my joy.

[1] From:  12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous