Weekly Thought > Personal Growth > Personal Day of Thanksgiving (Part 3)
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Personal Day of Thanksgiving (Part 3)
The first time we talked about the idea of a personal day of thanksgiving. The last time we talked about the structure which would use a full day. Now, let me give you a few examples of how I fleshed out the 40 categories that filled my Personal Day of Thanksgiving.
Mentoring has been very important to me, both as a mentor and mentoree. I was fortunate to have two main mentors. So, I reviewed my experiences with them in detail. For example, I was strictly an oral person and my boss preferred to read reports. He required me to write out my thoughts before I talked to him. I even made a list when I was talking to him on the phone. My first book You and Your Network was largely a result of his encouragement.
I have enjoyed mentoring some very high achievers. The best illustration I know of this is the young pianist who went to Leonard Bernstein and asked for mentoring. Bernstein said, "Tell me what you want you do and I will tell you if you are doing it." That is the heart of mentoring. Keep the responsibility on the mentoree.
Another category was hobbies. At 50 I began golfing, not to shoot a low score, but to make a perfect shot. I only did this once when I made a hole in one without touching the green. It was a combination hobby and obsession. I eventually ended up with 22 sets of sticks, 64 putters and 25 wedges plus two second homes on golf courses. I practiced golf like the Zen masters taught archery. I was thankful for the constant challenge. During my personal day I recounted many times of gratitude for times by myself and with friends on the golf course.
I hope these illustrations really help in developing your own Personal Day of Thanksgiving.
This week think about: 1) Who has influenced me and deserves gratitude? 2) What hobbies bring joy to my life? 3) How am I encouraging others to be grateful?
