A Simple Life Hack For Building A Gratitude Habit

Hi,

I'm Scott Schuett.

I lead our mindfulness and compassion programs at LinkedIn.

Today,

We're going to talk about gratitude.

One of the most important practices to build a growth mindset is gratitude.

The simple act of keeping a gratitude journal,

Writing down three things you're grateful for each day,

Has powerful effects.

People who practice gratitude are measurably happier,

Have less stress,

And have more optimism.

Gratitude also acts as a superpower for our other self-improvement activities.

Studies show that we're more likely to stick with our diets and our exercise plans if we practice gratitude.

As humans,

We generally have a negativity bias,

Focusing on perceived threats or worries.

It's a natural instinct that helped keep us alive as we evolved as a species,

But can be less helpful in our modern life.

Gratitude helps us reorient our thinking,

Becoming more aware of and appreciating the things in our life that we value.

To help build a gratitude practice into your daily habits,

Here's a simple life hack.

First,

Buy a journal.

The act of picking out and purchasing a journal that you like is a strong intention.

And then,

Put that journal on top of your pillow.

When it's time for sleep,

You've got to move the journal to get into bed.

And since you're already picking it up,

You might as well write in it.

There are many ways to practice gratitude,

With your family at the dinner table,

Sharing in a team meeting,

Making lists of things you're grateful for while commuting in the car or train.

Whichever way you choose,

Enjoy it.

Because to be grateful is to be happy.

And I am grateful for you.