Uplifting Ourselves Through Gratitude
By Scott Morris
We all face challenges—whether it’s the ongoing uncertainty caused by the global pandemic or personal issues we’re coping with. Add to that the negativity that permeates our news and social media each day, and it’s understandable if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. While I don’t have a solution to the angry voices that fill our airwaves, I do have something that lifts me up in spite of that pessimism, and that’s focusing on gratitude.
I start every day by counting my blessings, beginning with my family: my wonderful wife and two children. No matter how busy I get, I try to keep in mind that my role as a husband and a father comes first. A romantic dinner at Prosecco with my wife, a bike ride or playing catch with my kids, sitting down to a meal together, or just spending a quiet evening at home are some of the ways I keep my family front and center and show how much they mean to me.
As a business owner, I believe that expressing appreciation and giving recognition and reward to those who work with me is important. I’m fortunate to have great people at my company, SRM Real Estate Group. Their talent and hard work enable us to deliver great service to our clients, and I’m proud of what we achieve together. Our morning “check-ins” begin with team gratitude, each team member sharing something they are grateful for. This simple practice is the single greatest contributor to kindness, positivity, and growth—attributes that define our team’s culture.
My focus on gratitude also inspires my purpose-driven business model and drives my passion for creating partnerships that promote social good. This year I will ride 100 miles through Death Valley to raise funds to support JDRF’s vision to cure Type 1 diabetes. In partnership with the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation, our team developed and is delivering Student Athlete Character Workshops to help young athletes build character traits that will help them on and off the field. Additionally, the SRM team will continue our giving model wherein we donate to the charities closest to our clients’ hearts.
These are just a few examples of how I’ve made gratitude part of my life. The wonderful thing about gratitude is that it can take so many forms: helping a friend in need, writing a note or calling someone to thank them for the positive difference they’ve made in your life, helping with a community beautification project, or donating to a cause close to your heart.
I can tell you firsthand that the more you reach out to give gratitude and thanks, the richer your life will become. Of course, I’m not always successful. I still get in my own way more often than I should. I’m a work in progress, but practicing gratitude has helped me keep perspective on what and who really matters.
About Scott
After his son’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Scott’s life took on a new meaning. He created a purpose-driven business model to put people before profits. With each successful closing, he donates a portion of his earnings to his client’s preferred charity and to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Scott’s passion and innovative approach to real estate is found in the promise he makes to every client: when you partner with the SRM team, you’ll save money, time, and together we’ll change lives.
Scott Morris is the Founder and CEO of SRM Real Estate Group, a Los Angeles real estate and mortgage company that does things differently. To learn more about Scott, connect with him on LinkedIn. You can also watch his latest webinar to find out how to be the smartest seller on your block.