LIFE HABITS: Daily Practices for Lasting Well-Being (Life Habit 9)

LiifeHabit #9: Reflect on Three Things You’re Grateful for Everyday

Benefit: By shifting your mindset toward positivity, practicing daily gratitude helps you see the good in your life even during challenging times. This has been linked to increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

Moreover, reflecting on what you’re grateful for encourages self-awareness and personal growth by helping you recognize the blessings and lessons in your life.

Overview: A good time to practice this habit is in the morning before you start your day. You can use a journal to write down three things you are grateful for. This can include simple pleasures like your morning cup of coffee, to larger sources of gratitude such as the presence of loved ones in your life.

LiifeHabit Guide

Reflect on Three Things You’re Grateful for Everyday

1. Write it down: Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day shouldn’t take long. Keep a journal to record gratitude. This journal will act as a record of your positive thoughts. You can then revisit and reflect on your blessings over time.
2. Appreciate the small things: It’s easy to practice gratitude for big, positive life events such as a promotion or buying a new home. Yet, many of life’s greatest joys lie in the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Take the time to appreciate the simple pleasures of being alive. This will increase your overall happiness and contentment.
3. Reframe challenges to moments of gratitude: During your moment of daily gratitude, think about the difficult situations and challenges you currently face. Then, reframe these to focus on the potential lessons, growth opportunities, and silver linings they offer. This act will promote resilience.
4. Delve into the why: Think about why you’re grateful for each situation to uncover its underlying significance. This will deepen your appreciation for each item you’re grateful for.
5. Focus on the feeling: As you practice daily gratitude, think about how this makes you feel. What positive sensations does gratitude bring? Become more mindful and enhance your overall well-being.
6. Set a reminder to repeat daily: Use your online calendar tools or your phone to set a reminder to practice gratitude daily. This will gently nudge you to pause and reflect on the blessings in your life, creating consistency.