The Power of Finding Gratitude in the Hard Stuff

It’s Thanksgiving week here in the U.S., and that time of year when we pause to give thanks. But gratitude is much more powerful when practiced regularly. I am not the kind of person who writes in a gratitude journal. I don’t wake up every morning and run through the list of things I am grateful for. As my good friend Chris Schembra, the “Gratitude Guru” says, gratitude journals are bullshit.” Instead, I practice gratitude in the moment. Like when I am climbing mountains and racing down them on my mountain bike, feeling overwhelmed by the scenery, my awesome bike, and my body can do such things. I feel gratitude in the moment when my son, Jack, cuddles with me, and we laugh and tease each other. I feel gratitude when my dog Johnnie puts his head on my shoulder in Shavasana after my yoga practice. But what I am most grateful for are the hard things in life. I know that may sound odd, but truly, I am. There are so many gifts in difficult situations; you gain insight, solve problems and grow. I wouldn’t be where I am today without hitting rock bottom, and I am grateful for what I learned about myself and my others through the journey back from rock bottom. In this week’s episode of Reflect Forward: Advice From a CEO, I share stories of how being grateful for hard things can change your perspective. Hopefully, it will inspire you to dig deep and find gratitude for the adversity you’ve overcome and how it shaped who you are today. Question of the Episode This week’s question comes from a woman who heard me speak at an event a few weeks back. “Kerry, I want to learn how to be an exceptional manager. What are your favorite management books, and should I read them?” I love this question because I love to read. My answer was First Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Radical Candor by Kim Scott. Tune in to find out why!