Practicing Gratitude When Life Sucks

Not Your Grandma’s Gratitude Practice: A Mindful Approach for Entrepreneurs

Gratitude gets a lot of attention in November, but let’s make it clear: this isn’t about pumpkin spice vibes or “Good Vibes Only.” Life isn’t that simple—and neither is gratitude. So let’s dive into a rebellious approach that’s more about grounding yourself when life feels messy than about chasing perfection.

Why Practice Gratitude When Life is Easy?

Gratitude is like saving for a rainy day. When life feels smooth, you’re building a habit that will support you when it isn’t. Science backs it up: studies show practicing gratitude can rewire your brain, boost resilience, and even help you lead better—key for entrepreneurs juggling a million things.

But let’s be real: gratitude isn’t about pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. It’s about appreciating what is working, even if that’s just the metaphorical towel to clean up life’s mess.

Reality Inventory: Your Gratitude Check-In

Instead of listing what you’re grateful for, try these three mindful prompts to deepen your practice:

1. What am I taking for granted?  

   Look at the people, resources, or opportunities in your life that you’ve overlooked. Start noticing and appreciating them.

2. How am I showing gratitude to others?  

   Gratitude isn’t just about what you feel; it’s about what you do. Send a thank-you note, express appreciation directly, or connect with someone without a business agenda.

3. What excuses am I leaning on?  

   Are complaints or stress overshadowing what’s actually going well? Call yourself out and shift focus to what’s working. 

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A Final Thought  

Gratitude isn’t fake optimism, and it’s not about ignoring life’s challenges. It’s about finding clarity and strength in appreciating what’s real—whether that’s a supportive team, a loyal client, or even just a good night’s sleep.

Start practicing now, not because it’s trendy, but because it will keep you grounded when life feels anything but.

You’re courageous, you’re capable, and gratitude—raw and real—will keep you strong.

To read the full, more in-depth version of this blog CLICK HERE to read Erin's Substack.