Thank-you Every Day

The name of this newsletter is the "Martha note." I had good training by my parents who instructed me to write a handwritten thank you to anyone who gave me a gift. So, from early birthday remembrances, Christmas gifts, graduation, wedding, and baby shower. Any occasion, I knew, warranted my sitting down with pen and appropriate notepaper. 

I really learned to like the process, because it was so much fun hearing them say "I really enjoyed getting your note, Martha." And, besides, it was non- negotiable. My parents were good at holding me accountable. 

In my real estate business, I started the habit of handwritten notes early, and it has paid me dividends again and again. I developed a system to make it easy, so that I could not procrastinate. 

I even had my envelope stamped and addressed in my listing packet (always handwritten) so that I could jot a quick personal note on how much I liked their home, and drop it in the mailbox on the way home. 

So, have you incorporated the daily habit of handwriting thank-you notes? Have you heard of the idea? Do you think it is a good one? What has stopped you? If you think you don't know 5 people to thank each day, I advise you to think harder-- or, maybe you are not aware enough of your "gratitudes." 

Don't know what to say? Have writer's block? How about starting out with "I was just thinking about you today."? Who doesn't like to be thought about? Ask about their family? A special event coming up? How is that puppy training going? What about the new job?" Why don't you try it for 30 days. Evaluate your response? What do you have to lose?