You might know Deborah Norville as the former co-host of NBC’s, “Today” show. She is a two time Emmy Award Winner and she is the anchor of, “Inside Edition”.
In addition to being longest serving anchor on American television…Deborah is a best-selling author.
She is also one of the kindest and most gracious people I’ve ever had the pleasure to encounter.
Recently I had the great pleasure to speak with Deborah about her book ”Thank You Power”.
Here is my interview.
Enjoy
Wendy: Where did this graciousness come from?
Deborah Norville – Anchor “Inside Edition”
Deborah: My parents, as many often do, really instilled these “Debbie, say thank you” admonitions that resonated with me. Growing up, we all heard the phrase: “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” But what really changed things for me was that I realized that not only were others positively affected on the days when I was more gracious, but I benefited as well. I was a better person on those days, and not only that, I felt happier.
Wendy: Was there anyone in particular that inspired you to take that different path in your life (not pursuing law)? If there was, were they able to see you achieve the success that you’ve attained?
Deborah: There wasn’t necessarily any one person, I more or less just realized that I could take the research part of law that had always intrigued me, and marry it with TV and production by becoming a reporter. I was entered into a pageant when I was younger (the Whitfield Co. (GA) Junior Miss Pageant) on a lark and I ended up going all the way to the televised finals! It was there that I was introduced to the CBS production staff who seemed to have so much fun working the long hours they did, and through that experience that I decided to pursue television.
Wendy: What are some steps others can take to build their “Thank You Power” muscles? How have you seen the power of kindness re-paid to you in your own life?
Deborah: My book “Thank You Power” really outlines how to make gratitude a greater part of your life, but I would say the biggest thing that others can do is look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. There are things in our everyday lives that we should be grateful for, but never really take the time to step back and consider. Notice the good things in your life and acknowledge them. As a journalist, you report on situations that story subjects have found themselves in that aren’t always easy: but what I’ve always marveled at is the certain people who, even in the face of some of the most heart-stopping obstacles, are able to move forward with optimism.
Wendy: Did you have to teach yourself to lean into an “attitude of gratitude” and, if so, how? Is being grateful about repetition until you develop muscle memory and it becomes reflex? Has there ever been a time when you’ve struggled with gratitude or respect?
Deborah: It wasn’t that I ever struggled with gratitude or respect, but more of a journalist’s curiosity about these two qualities and what were the proven benefits. I wanted to see the proof that benefits resulted from the practice, what those benefits were and most importantly, understand HOW the research was conducted to confirm this was valid peer-reviewed validation, not the work of some “self-proclamation” expert with a website and a twitter account.
The result was my book “Thank You Power,” which made the best sellers list here in the States as well as in South Korea and was published in, I think, 16 different languages.
To hear from readers who told me it “changed their life” was just incredible.
A huge thanks to Deborah and her assistant, Hannah for all of their time and help in making this interview happen.
For more information on Deborah, her work, and books you can follow her on the following Social Media sites:
