The Power of Gratitude in a Busy Life
How often do you pause and truly express gratitude for the things that make you happy? In the rush of
daily life, especially when managing a business or leading a team, it’s easy to get caught up in challenges and overlook the many positive things— and people—surrounding us.
Running a business or managing a large organization isn’t easy. It often feels like a juggling act just to keep everything running smoothly. But in the midst of the busyness, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what is going well instead of fixating on what’s not. Expressing gratitude—especially to your team members, colleagues, friends, and family—can go a long way. These people often play a big role in your happiness, even if their contributions sometimes go unnoticed. A simple “thank you” can make someone feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
As an entrepreneur, I know how easy it is to focus on what’s going wrong. But I’ve learned that cultivating gratitude helps shift my mindset and invites more positivity into my life. Here are a few things I do to stay grounded and grateful:
1. Start the day with quiet reflection. Every morning, I take a few minutes with my coffee to think about what I’m thankful for. It could be something small—the warmth of the sun, the taste of my coffee —or something bigger, like recent accomplishments or supportive people in my life.
2. Say thank you—often. I make a point of regularly expressing appreciation to my team. It’s important that they know they’re seen, supported, and valued.
3. Give back. I’ve created space in my schedule to volunteer with nonprofits and the Canadian Military as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel. Giving back not only helps others—it fills my own cup, too.
4. Offer value in every interaction. Whether it’s a client, colleague, or partner, I strive to bring value to every relationship. Even small gestures can make a difference, and that’s incredibly motivating for me.
5. End the day with gratitude. Before bed, I reflect on the positive moments from my day and
visualize the good things I want to attract in the future. It’s a peaceful way to end the day and reset my mindset. I even have a sign I made for my ensuite that says “Start each day with a grateful heart” to remind me about the small things that matter.
Gratitude doesn’t require grand gestures. Small, consistent moments of appreciation can transform
how you experience your personal and professional life. When you’re mindful of what you’re thankful for, it becomes easier to stay positive, even on the busiest days.
So, take a moment today to think about what—and who—you’re grateful for. You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
