Expressing gratitude has been proven to improve our physical and mental health, increase our empathy toward others, and lower aggression. People who write in a gratitude journal even sleep better, according to a study in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.

This is the perfect week to take a moment and recognize what we have to be thankful for in our lives – both personally and professionally. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we reached out to top industry experts and asked them what they are especially grateful for in sales this year.

Salesforce strategist Tiffani Bova responded, “This is an exciting time to be in sales. The power of all the new technical capabilities, such as analytics, journey mapping, and social selling will enable the next gen, modern sales force to create amazing experiences for both prospects and customers alike.”

Read the following for more of what was shared:

Joanne Black, Founder, No More Cold Calling

No business is successful without a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about the platform and goals of the company. I have an amazing team. They coordinate with each other so that handoffs are smooth. They respect each other’s talent and time. I am truly grateful.

Tiffani Bova, Salesforce Strategist

I am grateful for all the support I have received this year as I transitioned from Gartner to Salesforce – I am humbled by how many have gone out of their way to reach out, say hello and wish me well. Really an amazing feeling. 

David Brock, Founder and CEO, Partners in EXCELLENCE

I’m thankful for the opportunity we have to contribute to the success of our clients.  We work with some of the smartest sales professionals in the world, dealing with some of the most complex business challenges. It’s a thrill working with them and collaboratively figuring out how to solve them. It’s a privilege, we are constantly learning with them. I’m also thankful for Starbucks Spiced Pumpkin Latte, really hits the spot this time of year.

Brian Burns, Host, The Brutal Truth About Sales Podcast

I’m grateful for all the sales people who go to work each day and push through all the hassles and rejection to build their companies and drive our economy.

Jonathan Farrington, CEO Top Sales World and Editor, Top Sales Magazine

Although we obviously don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK, because I have so many American friends, colleagues, and clients I always take time to remember how lucky I am to know them, to learn from them, and be inspired by them. My life is so much richer, thanks to them.

Dianna Geairn, The Irreverent Sales Girl

I am grateful for the network of people who have supported me when times seemed the hardest and connected me with their own precious resources when I asked. I am quite clear that no one is a self-made man or woman. We all help create each other’s successes.

Richard Harris, Owner, The Harris Consulting Group

I’m grateful for millennials because they continually prove to me that work life balance does exist and prove it by living it every day. They bring a level of inclusiveness to our future that for generations has been a distant dream and now feels like it’s within reach.

Alice Heiman, Founder & CSO, Alice Heiman, LLC

There is no doubt that what I am most thankful for this year are my dear friends in the sales industry. I’ve grown to know them better and appreciate their support.

Jill Konrath, Bestselling Sales Author

Strange as it may seem, I am thankful for my sales problems and failures. They challenge my thinking, open me to new perspectives, and take me to a higher level of performance. 

Nancy Nardin, Founder and President, Smart Selling Tools

I am thankful that I get to make a living in such a vibrant industry. The sales technology landscape is complex and changing faster than ever before. I’m grateful I get to talk with so many solution providers who badly want to make a difference for sales organizations. And also that I get to talk with so many end-users and hear what challenges they face and how they’re going about solving them.

Lori Richardson, Founder and CEO of Score More Sales

I'm so thankful to be in an amazing industry, blessed with a fantastic family and the most wonderful friends and colleagues ever. We just celebrated 15 years in business, and I could not have done it without an incredible team. 

Koka Sexton, Founder, Social Selling Labs LLC

I am really thankful for the innovators and entrepreneurs that are building products specifically for sale professionals. The technology available for sales to be more effective has surpassed my expectations and I'm excited to see what comes next.

Andrea Waltz, Co-Author, Go for No!    

I am grateful that everyone in the sales community has focused on the goal of elevating the profession of selling.  Even with varied ideas, strategies, and processes, all of the experts and organizations have made that a priority, which has benefited us all.

Finally, as for me, I am truly thankful for the generosity of people in the sales community. Like the above experts – most of whom I’ve never met in person – they are always willing to help out – whether tweeting a sales tip or sharing advice for the benefit of others in the industry.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones!

Jennifer Dignum is Sr. Manager, Content Marketing, at Xactly Corporation, a leading provider of enterprise-class, cloud-based, incentive compensation for employee and sales performance management. Xactly’s products allow organizations to make strategic decisions, increase employee performance, improve margins, and mitigate risks.