As the holiday season approaches and another year begins to draw to a close, it’s not uncommon to reflect on all that transpired since the last turn of the calendar. This intentional and periodic retrospection is an excellent practice. As business leaders, we understand how vital it is to regularly express our appreciation to our teams, customers, partners, peers, and family members. And while we may intuitively recognize how important gratitude is to share with those around us, it might surprise you to learn the profound impact just being thankful can have on our own well-being.    

According to an article in Inc. Magazine, gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving. Here are the top 10 of their list of 25 benefits associated with maintaining and attitude of gratitude: 

  1. Improved sleep 
  2. Increased social capital 
  3. Strengthened immune system 
  4. Healing and relaxation 
  5. Lower stress levels 
  6. Greater likability 
  7. Improved respect 
  8. Better decision making 
  9. Enhanced creativity 
  10. Increased exercise 

* Honorable Mention: Greater Humility (#11 on Inc.’s list and a HEART-level value worth noting here) 

In that same spirit, we’d like to share a few things for which we are grateful this year: 

Our Membership 

First and foremost, we are incredibly thankful for all of you—the exceptional human beings who make CTLF a leadership organization like no other. Your commitment, energy, ideas, and passion for developing HEART-level leadership in yourself and others are what distinguish CTLF from every other business leadership organization out there. Thank you! 

The Team 

From guiding and facilitating programs and producing numerous events to championing our brand and growing membership, the CTLF team works tirelessly to deliver increasing value to our membership, elevate and expand CTLF’s influence, and positively impact our business leadership community.  

Our Partners 

CTLF is fortunate to have forged so many outstanding partnerships across our community. We share many common goals like elevating the work of others, sharing expertise, and helping one another make the greatest impact possible for Colorado. CTLF’s influence is greatly enhanced through exceptional collaborations.  

New Ownership 

New ownership in Class VI Partners has infused CTLF with additional resources, new perspectives, and a refreshed vision for the impact CTLF can have in our leadership, our companies, our businesses, and the world. The future looks bright, and we’re forever thankful for the hard work, dedication, and collective thought leadership of each and every person who has helped get us to where we are today. 

Boundless Potential 

With an amazing combination of new ownership, a new CEO, a seasoned operational team, additional resources, a committed membership base, and optimism for the future, CTLF is poised to take the entire organization to the next level as we strive to realize our vision: Better Leaders. Better Companies. Better Lives. 

We encourage you to continue press into the coming year with a spirit of service and a commitment to advancing CTLF’s “give-first” culture. These qualities will be on full display at our upcoming HEART for the Holidays Event on November 17 from 5pm – 7pm at Deep Roots Winery, when we will announce the winner of this year’s HEART-level Leadership Award.  

No matter where you are in your business leadership journey, no matter what season of life you may be experiencing today, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.  

Now then, aren’t you glad you read this post?

Point to Ponder 

According to Harvard Medical School, having an attitude of gratitude helps us feel more positive emotions, improve our well-being, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships—all qualities that align well with the experience we are creating together within CTLF.