Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude All Year
I personally love the Thanksgiving holiday, though it tends to get lost between Halloween and Christmas.
Why do I love this holiday? Because it’s a powerful reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate all the good things going well in our lives. Even the challenging moments can become unexpected gifts, ones we may not fully understand yet, but gifts all the same.
As we move through this season, I invite and encourage you to slow down and reflect on what you’re most thankful for. Gratitude is powerful, and while this week is a natural moment to give thanks, imagine the impact we would have if we carried this same sentiment into work and our personal lives every day. It’s easy to focus on what’s not working or what frustrates us at work. But when we take time to recognize what is working, we realize we already have more than enough.
So, what are you most thankful for at work this week?
The top 10 things for which I am grateful at work when I coach clients, facilitate workshops, or deliver a keynote, in no particular order, are:
Clients who show up and are open to exploring where the conversation leads them.
The opportunity to be part of people’s transformation.
Celebrating with clients when they get a new job.
Celebrating when clients are excited about the future and decide to take action.
Audiences being engaged in the conversation.
Laughter and people having fun!
The chance to share and hear what works… and what doesn’t.
AHA moments.
Knowing people have been inspired.
Living my life’s purpose: Every. Single. Day.
“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.”
William James
Let’s appreciate and encourage our peers, supervisors, direct reports, and ourselves.
Three Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude All Year: I’m bringing these back into my routine—maybe they’ll inspire you too!
1. Send a Weekly Thank-You Note
A quick email, text, or handwritten note to:
Someone who’s made your leadership journey easier
A behind-the-scenes contributor who rarely gets recognized
A team member who deserves appreciation for a recent win
2. Create a Gratitude Ritual
Begin meetings by having team members share one win
Encourage peers to thank a colleague once a week
3. Bring Treats to Work
No need for fancy—pumpkin bars and brownies are my go-tos!
Charles Schwab once said, “The way to develop the best in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.”
You got this and I have your back.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ann
