Change that. Look for opportunities to make a positive assessment, to recognize just how good it is to be alive. And say it out loud. Then notice the people around you nodding their heads. After all, we have much to be grateful for if we only stop and recognize it. Our ancestors were born into a world where survival itself was a struggle. They labored hard to find food, clothing, safety and shelter from the elements. Many died young, usually of unnatural causes. There are plenty of people reading this column now who grew up without electricity, running water or vaccinations against deadly diseases. I can only imagine what they think when they hear someone like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez say, "An entire generation, which is now becoming one of the largest electorates in America, came of age and never saw American prosperity." Never saw prosperity? We live in the wealthiest country at the most prosperous time in the history of the world. As I've noted before, a middle-class citizen today is better off than the richest American ever: John D. Rockefeller. Constantly comparing what you have with what someone else has creates an impoverished state of mind. It makes you feel poorer, even when you aren't. How can you become richer - instantly? By adopting the opposite mindset. Dwell on your assets rather than your liabilities, your blessings rather than your grievances, your opportunities rather than your problems. Even setbacks can be viewed in a positive light if you see them through the lens of gratitude - and ask yourself a few questions: - What can I be thankful about in this situation?
- Could it have been worse?
- Is there an important lesson to be learned here?
- How can I grow from this?
My good friend and Liberty Through Wealth colleague Joel Wade - author, practicing psychologist and life coach - recommends keeping a gratitude journal, one where you take a few minutes each night before retiring to write down the good things - both large and small - that made you thankful that day. What are the benefits? Studies show that grateful people have an easier time falling asleep and snooze longer. They enjoy a host of health benefits, including greater resilience and longevity. Gratitude has even been shown to boost your happiness set point - your basic genetically determined level of happiness - by up to 25%. In short, in order to feel - and be - wealthier, you need only recognize how rich your life already is. Good investing, Alex | 
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