I was sitting outside in Iowa, staring into a sky that mirrored the world I was experiencing—gloomy, unclear, and veiled with a subtle fog. Gazing at our vineyards, I reflected on the tremendous hours I poured into maintaining a dream business, Harpors Vineyard. The realization hit me hard: this dream could come crashing down.
I had just returned from a work trip during the height of COVID-19, a period when all wedding venues were in peril as we awaited daily updates on new restrictions. Each day, I watched as my wife fielded 50-60 calls, emails, and texts from anxious couples, mothers, and the occasional lawyer, all desperate for answers on how we would navigate the evolving situation.
Despite the mounting pressure on our business, I continued to give 100% to my corporate career, which was also under immense strain. For months, I faced tremendous adversity, working over 100 hours a week. It was during this challenging time that a peer introduced me to a life-saving practice: gratitude.
I adopted a model I call “GRATE,” which focuses on Growth, Relationships, Abundance, Teachings, and Experiences. Each morning, I made it a practice to embrace gratitude, not just to survive but to thrive. This practice eventually allowed us to take complete control of our lives, transforming one of the most challenging periods into one of the most spectacular eras of my life.
Many people don’t understand the extreme ups and downs that come with a career in sales. That’s why I coach and develop team members to adopt a gratitude model, ensuring stability and perspective. This approach helps them recognize momentum when it’s there and push through the hard times. Sales is a career that never settles; more is always expected, and the elite always deliver.
What’s most important in life is remembering the things that truly matter and embracing a model that reminds us of how great life really is. This doesn’t blind us to reality; I believe it makes us our best selves in how we show up and the results we deliver.
The GRATE Model
- Growth: Focus on personal and professional development. Reflect on how you’ve grown and what you’ve learned.
- Relationships: Appreciate the connections and support from family, friends, and colleagues. Relationships are the foundation of a fulfilling life.
- Abundance: Recognize the abundance in your life, whether it’s opportunities, resources, or love. Shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
- Teachings: Value the lessons learned from experiences, both good and bad. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Experiences: Cherish the moments and experiences that shape your life. Life is a collection of experiences that contribute to our growth and happiness.
Implementing the GRATE model has been transformative for me, and I believe it can be for you too. Embrace gratitude, and watch how it changes your perspective, your relationships, and your success.
#Gratitude #Growth #Relationships #Abundance #Teachings #Experiences #SalesSuccess #LifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Wellness
