Gratitude is the unsung hero of high achievers. It’s the secret sauce, the magic ingredient that separates the good from the great. And yet, it’s often the last thing on our minds as we chase our goals.
We think success is about hustle, about grind, about burning the midnight oil. And sure, hard work matters. But here’s the thing: Without gratitude, all that effort is like running on a treadmill. You’re moving, but you’re not really getting anywhere. Because when you’re not grateful, you’re never satisfied. You’re always focused on the next thing, the bigger win, the shinier object. You’re trapped in a cycle of “never enough.” And that’s no way to live, let alone succeed.
When you lead with gratitude, everything changes. Suddenly, you’re not chasing success. Success is chasing you. Your gratitude becomes a magnet. It draws good things to you: opportunities, relationships and resources. It opens doors and minds and hearts.
Don’t believe me? Look at the research data. People who regularly count their blessings are more likely to make progress on their goals than those who don’t. They’re more creative, more resilient and more connected. They live richer, fuller lives – not just when they “arrive,” but every step of the way.
So if you want to taste real success, the kind that satisfies your soul, not just your ego? Cultivate gratitude. Make it your North Star. Let it guide you, day by day and moment by moment.
When gratitude leads the way, success is sure to follow. Every single time.
Story
John Kralik was down and out. His law firm was failing, his marriage had ended, and he rarely saw his children. Life was a dumpster fire. But then, one day, he found a thank-you note from an ex-girlfriend in his mailbox. Upon opening the envelope, he discovered a thank-you note expressing gratitude for a Christmas gift he had given her several years prior.
“Thank you for the wonderful gift you gave to me. I really enjoyed the time we shared together on Christmas Eve. You are a joy, and I appreciate how special you made me feel. Love, Grace.”
It changed everything.
As John reflected back on his life, one particular memory came to mind. It was the day his grandfather gave him a silver dollar and told him to write him a thank you note. His grandfather promised that if he did, he would give him another silver dollar. John remembers feeling puzzled at the time. But his grandfather insisted that expressing gratitude was important. So, John sat down and wrote a thank you note to his grandfather. And a few days later, he gave him another silver dollar. It was a small gesture but left a lasting impression on John.
John realized that he had forgotten the lesson his grandfather had taught him. It all came flooding back to him the day he received his ex-girlfriend’s heartfelt thank-you note.
Kralik made a decision to write 365 thank-you notes in the coming year, one for each day. At first, John struggled to find things to be grateful for. His first thank-you note was to his older son, which led to a lunch invitation. He also expressed appreciation to an old attorney friend for lending an ear during tough times. Other notes followed, expressing gratitude to his doctor and a client who consistently paid their bills on time.
The more John wrote, the more his outlook on life and his good fortune improved. Once challenging to write, his thank you notes became a habit that he enjoyed. His law firm became profitable. His relationships got better. His 30-year dream of becoming a Superior Court Judge became a reality.
And I am sure that if his grandfather were still alive today, he would have sent John another silver dollar as a token of his appreciation for expressing gratitude.
Resources
The book is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always something to be grateful for. John’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of gratitude and a reminder that by expressing thanks and appreciation, we can change our lives for the better.
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