The reality is this: you’re a professional who gets paid well for doing what you love to do and who enjoys the professional stature that goes along with it. The opportunities before you are great and your future is bright. Sounds pretty good to me. So, when was the last time you considered where you are in your life and career? I don’t mean drift-through-the-stop-sign pause. I’m talking about a complete stop, where you sit back in your chair, take a deep breath and recall how fortunate you are?

Or are you too distracted by all the inconveniences and irritations that are also present?

It’s so easy to get torqued about the things not going well or stressed about all you have to do or pressured to meet the latest crisis or deadline. When you’re consumed with those things, you forget that you could be so much worse off.

Think of this past week. You had your trying moments as well as rewarding moments. There were many more times that were rewarding but you forgot to acknowledge them because you were so consumed with the trying moments.

• When something humorous happened, did you forget to smile?
• When someone did something for you, even if it was their job, did you forget to say thank you?
• When someone gave you advice or direction about your work, did you forget to acknowledge it?
• When you had the sense of accomplishment having completed something, did you forget that your contribution was important?
• When you encountered the collegial and client friendships you’ve forged, did you forget to enjoy them?

Daily this week, and for the next couple of weeks to Thanksgiving, don’t forget to remember the important, rewarding moments. Don’t allow them to go by unnoticed and unappreciated. They are yours to enjoy; but you have to remember.