The Gratitude Paradigm

Good morning and Happy Black Friday. 

As we recover from our Thanksgiving feasts and gear up for the holiday season, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the transformative power of gratitude.

So What Is Gratitude?

Derived from the Latin "gratia," meaning grace or gratefulness, gratitude is an appreciation for what is—whether tangible or intangible. 

Gratitude is acknowledging the goodness, even when it’s tough to find.

According to an abundance of research, gratitude is one of the few things that can literally change our lives for the better.

There’s a strong correlation between increased happiness & gratitude, so much so that one is practically a function of the other. 

But keep in mind - we are happy because we are grateful, not the other way around.

Why Now?

Before we cover the big reasons why gratitude is powerful, it’s important to understand why both and, perhaps more importantly, why now?

Well, first & foremost, November is National Gratitude Month.

I don’t know about you, but the urge to go online shopping right now is strong.

I’m getting hit with ads from every direction, but my bank account really doesn’t need a retail binge right now.

Sure, it’s a great opportunity to get some early (& discounted) Christmas shopping done, but here’s a high level thought I’m chewing on… 

Gratitude is the antidote to consumerism.

When we feel full, whole, and complete, as we are with what we have, we crave less. 

When we’re grateful, we consume & spend less, yet enjoy what we have, more.

Gratitude is the pathway to maximizing what’s in front of us.

So Why Is Gratitude So Powerful?

As we move forward into the season of giving, let's explore the reasons why gratitude belongs at the top of our lists.

1. A Healthier & Happier You

Research suggests that gratitude is not just a polite gesture or a Woo-Woo habit; it’s a key to unlocking a healthier & happier life.

Scientists studying positive psychology found that a simple “thank you” produced an immediate 10% happiness boost and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms.

Additional studies have shown that those who regularly practice gratitude experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier overall. 

2. Strengthening Relationships:

Gratitude isn't just a personal endeavor—it also has the power to strengthen the bonds we share with others. 

Expressing gratitude in our relationships can enhance satisfaction and contribute to the longevity of those connections. 

Moreover, grateful individuals are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as helping others, even when there is a cost involved.

3. The Sleep-Gratitude Connection

Getting a good night sleep is one of the most effective ways to feeling better & performing at a higher level.

Just think about how you feel with 5 vs. 8 hours of sleep. In my world, that difference is monumental.

Here’s the good news: Practicing gratitude, even briefly, can lead to better sleep quality and duration.

4. Spreading the Joy

One of the coolest things about gratitude is its contagious nature.

Grateful individuals are more likely to engage in acts of kindness and generosity.

And when we see others expressing gratitude, it can spark acts of kindness and generosity within ourselves.

”Evidence has shown that promoting gratitude in participants makes them more likely to share with others, even at the expense of themselves, and even if the receiver was a stranger.”

5. A Neurological Boost

Beyond its emotional impact, gratitude has a fascinating neurological dimension.

Neuroimaging studies suggest that expressing gratitude activates brain regions associated with reward and moral cognition. 

Moreover, practicing gratitude can reinforce neural pathways for what’s going well in life. Therefore, looking for the good becomes easier over time.

It’s a reminder that gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a powerful force that shapes our hearts & minds.

6. A Grateful Tide Lifts All Boats

When was the last time you thanked a colleague? 

Research from psychologists Adam Grant & Francesca Gino shows that a simple thank you can go a long way. 

As they write in the study’s intro, “gratitude expressions can enhance prosocial behavior, such that when helpers are thanked for their efforts, they experience stronger feelings of self-efficacy and social worth, which motivate them to engage in prosocial behavior.”

In other words - thanking employees reinforces their feelings of capability and confidence.

More interestingly, however, is the ripple effect of gratitude between employees - it can also lead to an increase in trust and collaboration.

7. Gratitude is The Ultimate State of Receiving

To learn more about this idea, I’d recommend reading this article that describes a transformational healing experience from one of Joe Dispenza’s recent clients.

Here’s one of my favorite excerpts:

“In this work, we learn that the environment signals the gene – and an end-product of an experience in the environment is an emotion.

And so, when we feel an elevated emotion, we can begin to signal our genes ahead of the environment.

She wasn’t waiting for her healing to occur to feel grateful; she reasoned that if she first felt grateful, she could actually heal.”

Thank you for Reading!

As we step into the last month of the year, let's move from a place of gratitude.

Wishing you an enjoyable and gratitude-filled holiday season ahead.

Best,

Aidan