It took me years before I finally picked up a copy of The Power of Positive Thinking. Honestly, I dismissed it as “fluffy stuff” and didn’t think it would resonate with me. But when I finally read it, I was surprised by its impact. Over the next few posts, I want to unpack one key tool that empowers positive thinking, not just the concept itself, but something that helps us get there: gratitude.

This week let’s look at three important ways gratitude can help you grow as a leader. First, it helps you see the positive in challenging situations. Second, it boosts your resilience when times get tough. Third, it increases your brain’s gray matter, meaning you can become smarter by practicing gratitude!

Seeing the Positive, Even When It’s Hard

You might wonder, how exactly does gratitude influence your leadership? Neuroscience gives us some answers. According to an article on PositivePsychology.com, gratitude helps regulate our nervous system and tame anxiety physiologically. As leaders, anxiety is often our constant companion.  There is always a problem to solve, a crisis to manage, or tough decisions looming. Choosing gratitude is a deliberate act that can calm our inner turmoil and help us respond more thoughtfully and effectively.

How Gratitude Builds Resilience

Another fascinating insight comes from research on gratitude journaling by McCanlies. Their study found that regularly writing down what you’re thankful for builds resilience. Think about it: each night before bed, jotting down a few things you appreciate can shift your mindset over time. I’ll admit, this is something I’m still working on myself, but it’s simple and impactful.

This idea of gratitude also ties into Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, a powerful story about surviving a concentration camp. Frankl emphasized that having meaning and purpose fuels hope. And I believe that hope is often rooted in gratitude, a recognition of the good, even in small victories. When leaders maintain that hope of fulfilling their vision, it gives them strength to push forward through challenges.

Gratitude Makes You Smarter?

It gets even better. A study referenced in the same article by a scientist named Zahn shows that gratitude literally increases the gray matter in your brain. Simply put, this means practicing gratitude can help grow the parts of your brain associated with decision-making, emotional regulation, and empathy. Who doesn’t want a brain boost like that?

Your Challenge: Practice Gratitude Today

So, what’s the takeaway? How can you start cultivating gratitude right now to enhance your leadership? Maybe it’s adding a brief gratitude moment to your morning or evening routine such as thinking about or writing down what you’re thankful for.

I challenge you to adopt an attitude of gratitude this week. As I encourage you, I’m holding myself accountable too. Take that small step and notice how it shifts your mindset and your leadership.

If you want to share your experience or need some guidance, reach out to me at randy@wheelercoachingsystems.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Facebook—I’d love to hear from you.  In the meantime grow your gratitude and lead well.

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