How To Create A Daily Gratitude Practice

Gratitude is a simple yet powerful practice that dramatically impacts how you think, feel, and live. Research has shown that practicing gratitude daily can reduce stress, improve sleep, strengthen relationships, and boost physical health! Let me be the first to welcome you if you’re new to this idea or just looking to refine what you’re doing already, here’s five easy steps to get your daily gratitude practice up and running!

  1. Start small and be consistent

Your daily gratitude practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Start small and focus on being consistent. You can write down one thing you’re grateful for every morning or reflect on a positive moment before bed; what’s critical is doing it regularly.

  • Why This Is Important: Consistency drives change. And it can literally rewire your brain. Here’s a link to last week’s post that dives in deeper.
  • #57BCBE there are many easy options to get you started. A gratitude journal, a voice memo, or a list on your phone are great places to start.
  • Sales Power Move: Starting your day this way sets a positive tone. Sales is a career riddled with rejection, highs, and lows. This habit can help you stay positive and grounded in your long-term goals throughout the day.

 

  1. Focus on specifics, not generalities

To really get the most bang for your gratitude buck, you need to be as specific as you can. Otherwise, it won’t have the same impact. This way, you are absolutely focused on what is going well.

  • Why This Is Important: diving into the specifics helps you create a deeper emotional connection and more tangible feelings of appreciation. This boosts your mood and enhances the effectiveness of your gratitude practice.
  • What You Can Do: Get as specific as you can. “I’m grateful for my work bestie” is all well and good, but “’m grateful that my work bestie helped me meet a deadline yesterday” has much more overall impact
  • Sales Power Move: This is especially true in sales. A thank you email to a colleague who helped close a deal or dropping off donuts to a client can show you care and grow stronger relationships.

 

  1. Use tools and prompts

Life can get crazy. I mean, it’s not just me, right?? Right?! Prompts can be great when things get busy. Apps, sticky notes, reminders, or phone alerts are all great ways to keep gratitude top of mind.

  • Why This Is Important: prompts and tools can help you stay consistent by nudging you to reflect on something positive during life’s hustle and bustle
  • What You Can Do: Find an app you love or try out a few to see what works best. I use an app called “Habits” to keep gratitude front of mind. If you prefer physical prompts, write a note on your mirror desk asking, “What are you grateful for today?”
  • Sales Power Move: Set reminders in your calendar to thank clients for calls, meetings, or their business. A handwritten thank you note can go a long way, especially with a new client.

 

  1. End your day with reflection

Gratitude is an excellent addition to your wind-down routine at the end of the day. Reflecting on the positive things from your day before hitting the sack can lead to better sleep and lower stress.

  • Why This Is Important: Gratitude can help quiet the mind and encourage restful sleep. Research has shown that practicing gratitude before bed can end up feeling more rested.
  • What You Can Do: jot a quick note of 2 or 3 things you’re grateful for at the end of the day. Small or big, this reflection will give you a positive outlook before drifting off.
  • Sales Power Move: This practice can help to reframe challenges as opportunities. Write down what went well even if you didn’t close the deal.

 

  1. Express gratitude to others

Gratitude is a powerful emotion when shared with others. Send a quick note, thank you, or text to others, and you’ll deepen relationships and boost your happiness.

  • Why This Is Important: Research shows that sharing gratitude strengthens social connections, makes you more empathetic, and fosters better relationships. It’s a win-win.
  • What You Can Do: Once a week, send a quick note or text to someone you’re grateful to. Friend, co-worker, client – anyone that has a positive impact on you.
  • Sales Power Move: Sending thank you messages after your business meeting can increase satisfaction and loyalty. My personal favorite is to send a handwritten note. It’s a powerful tool.

Gratitude daily can have an incredible impact on your emotional well-being, physical health, and even your relationships. Start small, focus on specifics, use prompts, reflect at the end of the day, and share gratitude with others. You’ll see a significant improvement in how you feel and perform. Let’s start today!!!