The Gratitude Multiplier: Small Acts Create Lasting Impact

As the holiday season approaches, it's a great time to reflect on the power of gratitude. This season reminds us to appreciate the people, experiences, and opportunities that shape our lives. But gratitude isn’t just seasonal—it’s a guiding principle that can transform how we lead and live. In my own journey, I've found showing gratitude builds stronger relationships, deepens trust, and drives lasting success.

Gratitude is often seen as just saying “thank you” or offering a kind gesture, but it goes much deeper. Over the years, I've come to see it as a mindset that shapes how we work, lead, and live. Taking time to appreciate others creates a ripple effect—and humility is at the heart of it.

Gratitude Reflects Humility

Gratitude and humility go hand in hand. When we express gratitude, we’re acknowledging we didn’t achieve success alone. Whether building a business, raising a family, or pursuing personal goals, we rely on and need others—mentors, teams, family, and even strangers who support us in ways we may not always see. Our dependency on others runs deep, from those who produce our food and clothes to those who build our homes and keep the lights on. Everything we achieve is part of a collective effort—nothing we do is autonomous.

Early in my career, I didn’t fully understand this. As a young leader, I thought success was all about results. In my first executive role, surrounded by competitive people, I believed my job was to drive outcomes and prove my value. I pushed myself and my team hard, and while we hit our goals, something was missing. I wasn’t building the kind of relationships that lead to long-term success, and I certainly wasn’t leading with gratitude.

It took time and experience to realize gratitude is the foundation of great leadership. It’s a practice of stopping to appreciate the big wins and the small contributions along the way. Acknowledging the efforts of others creates a sense of shared purpose which is much more motivating and sustaining than any short-term achievement.

Gratitude Builds Resilience

Gratitude isn’t just for the good times; it’s especially important when things don’t go as planned. Some of life’s best lessons come from setbacks. I learned this firsthand in my early 30s when I poured everything into a business that failed after three years. At the time, it was a tough hit, financially and emotionally. But over time, I saw that failure wasn’t the end—it was a turning point. It taught me to be more adaptable, to ask for help, and to lead with empathy. It also deepened my appreciation for gratitude. I could choose to see that failure as a setback or as a chance to learn—and choosing the latter made all the difference.

Gratitude builds resilience. It shifts our perspective and instead of focusing on what went wrong or what’s missing, gratitude helps us see what we do have and how those experiences can help us grow. In tough times, practicing gratitude gives us the balance and perspective we need to move forward.

Fostering Gratitude in Organizations

In a corporate environment, gratitude can sometimes take a backseat to strategy, performance metrics, and financial results. But in my experience, gratitude plays a huge role in creating a positive culture and driving long-term success.

It’s about creating a culture where people feel valued for who they are, not just for what they do. Small gestures—a handwritten thank-you note to someone who went the extra mile or a shoutout to a team in a meeting—can make a big difference. These simple acts of gratitude create a ripple effect across the organization, helping people feel seen, appreciated, and inspired to give their best.

Gratitude is contagious. When leaders genuinely show appreciation, it inspires others to do the same. It fosters collaboration, innovation, and a supportive environment where people feel comfortable speaking up. And this isn’t just about morale—it leads to better business outcomes. Teams that feel appreciated are more engaged, productive, and committed to the company’s mission.

Gratitude in Personal Life

In my personal life, gratitude has become a daily habit. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of work, family, and life’s pressures, but taking a moment to reflect on what I’m grateful for brings clarity and peace. Focusing on what I have, rather than what I’m striving for, helps me be more present with my family, more connected to my purpose, and more content.

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Realizing how much we rely on others—and that so much of what we enjoy comes from their hard work—brings a real sense of humility. Showing appreciation, even in small ways, may seem like a tiny gesture, but it has a way of lifting others up while grounding us, too. A simple “thank you” or a moment of recognition can make someone’s day and remind us of the connection we all share. So today, and every day, let’s take that extra moment to appreciate those around us. Oftentimes, it’s the little things that have the biggest impact.