Cognitive-Based Gratitude (CBG)

Gratitude is when we feel thankful and show appreciation for something good that has happened to us. There are two kinds of gratitude: emotional gratitude and Cognitive-Based Gratitude (CBG).

Head and Heart (brain and heart illustration)
Head and Heart (brain and heart illustration)

Emotional Gratitude

Emotional gratitude is when we feel grateful without thinking about it, just because something good happened to us. It makes us happy and joyful right away. It’s that warm sense of appreciation when someone does something kind for us. It arises spontaneously because it’s an instinctive response to something good happening in our life.

Cognitive-Based Gratitude (CBG)

Cognitive-Based Gratitude (CBG) is a mindfulness practice that encourages an individual to consciously recognize and appreciate positive aspects of life, from minor daily occurrences to more significant events. Unlike emotional gratitude, which is a spontaneous or instinctive feeling, CBG is a deliberate act of focusing the mind on positive experiences.

CBG is about fostering a positive mental framework, where one chooses to focus on the positive things in life rather than dwell on the negative. This can mean expressing thanks for a friend’s kindness, appreciating a beautiful sunset, or being grateful for personal accomplishments, no matter how small. The key aspect of CBG is its deliberateness and the cognitive effort to shift attention and thought processes towards appreciating positivity.

CBG not only allows us to appreciate the good in life, but it also equips us to handle negative experiences better. By developing a gratitude mindset, we can learn to see difficult situations from different perspectives. For example, instead of focusing on the stress of a challenge, we can choose to see it as an opportunity to grow and learn. This reframing can lessen the impact of negative events, enhance resilience, and foster emotional well-being.

Cognitive-based gratitude isn’t an inherent trait, but rather a skill that can be honed with practice. Just like exercising a muscle, the more we practice gratitude, the stronger our ability to shift towards positive thinking becomes. Over time, this can lead to an improved outlook on life, increased happiness, and a better ability to cope with adversity.

Our Unique Selling Proposition

At the heart of our operations is Cognitive-Based Gratitude (CBG), a transformative approach that sets us apart. CBG isn’t just a concept for us; it’s an integral part of our DNA, permeating every aspect of our work. We firmly believe in the power of active positivity, conscious appreciation, and the transformative impact it can have on people’s lives.

This focus on CBG enables us to offer unique, enriching experiences. It is built into all our projects. We empower individuals to foster resilience, promote mental wellbeing, and cultivate positivity in their everyday lives. By focusing our approach around CBG, we create an environment that not only acknowledges but celebrates the power of gratitude, setting us apart from others in our field.

With CBG at our core, we are uniquely positioned to create a positive ripple effect, transforming individual experiences, strengthening our community, and making a lasting impact. This commitment to CBG is our unique selling proposition, underpinning the value we bring and the difference we make.

Trademark

Cognitive-Based Gratitude is a trademark of Bret Shah, our Chief Gratitude Officer, and is used under licence.