With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Jameis Winston inspiring me, this gratitude post just felt right.
Gratitude isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling—it’s a superpower. It’s the fuel that drives happiness, the glue that builds stronger teams, and the mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities.
Yet, most people treat gratitude like an afterthought. It’s time to change that.
Here are three powerful reasons why gratitude is a tool for abundance, success, and resilience—and why you should make it your daily habit. Seriously, put this into practice and watch your life transform.
1. Gratitude Creates Opportunity and Reframes Your Brain for Growth
Gratitude isn’t passive; it’s transformative. When you practice gratitude, your brain shifts from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. You start seeing possibilities instead of limitations. Neuroscience backs this up: studies show that gratitude activates the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine and serotonin—chemicals linked to happiness and motivation.
Consider a 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Researchers found that individuals who kept a daily gratitude journal felt not only more optimistic but also more motivated and focused on achieving their goals than those who didn’t. The simple act of reflecting on what they were thankful for rewired their thinking, creating a positive feedback loop that encouraged proactive steps toward their aspirations. Gratitude didn’t just make them happier—it made them more effective.
Take Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. He once said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Jordan’s gratitude for failure and the lessons it taught him reframed his mindset for growth. He didn’t see missed shots as permanent defeats—they were opportunities to improve, and his gratitude for the process propelled his career to unparalleled heights.
This example and the study highlight a critical insight: gratitude doesn’t stop at making you feel good. It rewires your perspective, training your brain to look for opportunities instead of obstacles. When you’re focused on what’s going right, you naturally open yourself to solutions and pathways you might have otherwise overlooked.
Actionable takeaway: Start your mornings with gratitude. Write down or say out loud three things you’re thankful for each day. Whether they’re large, small, or simple, this habit will quickly shift your mindset from “I can’t” to “I can.”
2. Gratitude is Contagious—and It Supercharges Team Performance
Gratitude doesn’t stop with you; it spreads. A leader who practices gratitude creates a ripple effect, boosting morale, trust, and collaboration within their team. When people feel appreciated, they perform better—it’s that simple.
Consider Phil Jackson, the legendary NBA coach who led the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers to a combined 11 championships. Known as the "Zen Master," Jackson emphasized mindfulness and gratitude in his coaching. He often had his players express appreciation for one another to strengthen team bonds. Reflecting on his methods, he said, “Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the 'me' for the 'we.’” Gratitude was central to building that trust and unity.
Research supports this. Harvard Business School professor Francesca Gino conducted an experiment revealing that participants who were thanked for their efforts were twice as likely to help others afterward. They also reported feeling more valued and motivated. This simple act of acknowledgment created a ripple effect, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging cooperation across the board.
Gratitude fosters reciprocity and teamwork, transforming relationships and building trust. When people feel seen and appreciated, they don’t just do the bare minimum—they go above and beyond. This is the kind of culture Phil Jackson cultivated, one where gratitude fueled performance, trust, and ultimately, success.
Actionable takeaway: Make gratitude part of your leadership or management style. Send a personal note of thanks, publicly recognize great work, or simply say “thank you” more often. You’ll inspire loyalty and collaboration, creating a team where everyone feels valued and motivated to excel.
3. Gratitude is a Choice—Even in the Worst Circumstances
Life is unpredictable. You will face setbacks, failures, and disappointments. But here’s the secret: no matter what happens, you can always choose gratitude.
Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Gratitude, even in the face of unimaginable hardship, allows us to reclaim power over our mental state.
Research conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, and UC Davis delved into how gratitude shapes resilience. Participants who wrote gratitude letters to people in their lives over several weeks reported significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety. Gratitude didn’t just help them feel better—it created long-term improvements in their mental health. Brain scans revealed that gratitude increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region associated with decision-making and optimism. In short, gratitude rewires your brain to be stronger and more resilient.
Gratitude doesn’t erase pain, but it gives you the strength to rise above it. It teaches us to focus on what we still have and the opportunities to grow, even when life feels overwhelming.
Actionable takeaway: When faced with a challenge, pause and ask, “What can I learn from this?” Use gratitude to shift your perspective and regain control. It’s a small act that can create profound change.
The Bottom Line: Gratitude is a Force Multiplier
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s a lifeline—a powerful force that can lift you out of the darkest moments and remind you that beauty, connection, and opportunity are still within reach. It’s the thread that weaves joy into ordinary moments and the light that guides you through life’s storms.
Start small. Close your eyes and think of one thing—just one—that makes your heart swell with appreciation. Maybe it’s the sunrise, the laugh of a loved one, or the simple gift of breath. Write it down. Share it. Gratitude isn’t just for you—it’s a gift that multiplies when shared.
Even on the tough days, when gratitude feels far away, choose it. Find one thing to hold onto, even if it feels small. As Zig Ziglar said: “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more you will have to express gratitude for.”
Gratitude is a necessity. It’s the key to abundance and resilience. Open the door—and watch your life transform.
With gratitude for all of you,
Victaurs