Reasons to be Thankful in 2020

Few people would disagree that, as a country and even as a people, we are in a bit of a negative rut. And I have never seen a person climb out of such a rut by continual complaining, critiquing, and wearing the “victim” label.

Our Reset Challenge 2020 is a 20-day challenge for leaders to retool their thinking and actions away from negative and destructive and towards positive and constructive. And over 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul had his own Reset Challenge which included this: “Give thanks in all circumstances,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. He challenged others to give thanks regardless of your boss, your spouse, your kids, your health, how much you earn, whether you like your house… you get the point.

Since I am gifted at complaining and critiquing, I decided to focus on what I am thankful for rather than where I am dissatisfied. What about you? What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments below! As you make your list, here is what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.

1. I get to wake up every day and work with fantastic people. Really – they are exceptional, and I know not everyone feels that way when they go to work. But I do, and I am thankful for it. They are fun, creative, extremely hard working, and the synergy is as good as it can get.

2. I have a family that I would not trade. It is easy to take this for granted, but we all know that for some families, it is a struggle each day to keep it together. I am blessed to have a wife and two daughters that each make a unique contribution to our home with humor, service, companionship, and a whole lot of bantering!

3. I love what I do. Really, I do. Not every minute and not every task. But I am energized by at least 90% of what I get to do every day. Each day I have the opportunity to coach and influence leaders who are striving to lead well. I have the opportunity to create or help others as they create new ideas and initiatives. And that is a whole lot of fun!

4. I have a God who is far more gracious than me! Can you imagine living under a God who is just like you or me?! That would make for a very unpleasant life. But in spite of my shortcomings, judgmental spirit, lack of humility, and a long list of other “errors,” I have a God who is for me, not against me.

5. My neighbors are nothing short of fantastic. My family has a genuine community amongst our neighbors. They are hilarious, crazy, talented, willing to help out, hospitable, inclusive, and loyal to one another. If every neighborhood in America had those traits, I wonder what impact it would have on the health and happiness of our country?

6. Our dogs. Some people are not “dog people,” but we are. Over the past 29 years, we have had Duke, Dallas, Storm, Teak, Hunter, Linton, Kodi, Ryder, and Walker. And they are a very big (and expensive) part of our family. They add dirt, sit on couches, put nose prints on windows, leave super-sized “gifts” throughout our yard, and crush our plants. But we would not trade them for anything. They are a valued part of God’s creation and bring a whole lot of humor and joy.

Don’t forget to share what you are thankful for below!

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Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.