Lessons I learned from my bestie!

My close friendship with Robert Hartwell—Broadway performer, entrepreneur, and the pure soul behind the MAX series Breaking New Ground—has completely transformed how I think about gratitude.

And if you know him, you know what I’m talking about.

Robert doesn’t just practice gratitude because it seems like the right thing to do; he lives it wholeheartedly. It’s the foundation of his success as a performer, mentor, and seven-figure entrepreneur. Watching him embody gratitude has solidified my belief that gratitude is a fundamental strategy for shifting everything in life toward the positive.

Naturally, gratitude is also a key part of how Robert runs his business ventures. It’s woven into every decision he makes, from nurturing meaningful relationships with his team to reflecting on opportunities he’s created. Gratitude shows up in how he celebrates wins, big and small, and inspires others to do the same.

How Gratitude Shaped My Journey

There was a time when I couldn’t afford a babysitter to work on my business. I had a baby on my hip, a laptop on my lap, and doubt in my mind. But instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I focused on the small steps I could take towards abundance—and I celebrated every single one.

Three years later, I hit millionaire status. And gratitude was the thread that kept me going, reminding me to stay present and recognize how far I’d come at every stage.

Today, over 10 years after my first million, I regularly make time to reflect on what I’m grateful for, especially when I feel stuck or overwhelmed.?

When you pause to appreciate your wins—big or small—you create momentum. That momentum fuels action, attracts more opportunities, and keeps you grounded as you grow.?

Your Gratitude Practice

Today I want to share some tips I’ve learned from Robert’s story and my own that could enrich your gratitude practice for a more abundant business and life:?

1. Move Through Gratitude: Take a walk, stretch, or dance (as Robert would) while reflecting on what you’re thankful for. Movement helps gratitude sink deeper, connecting your mind and body to the present moment. It works to uplift your mood, and I think you should try it today.
2. Express Gratitude Creatively: Creative expression is an amazing way to express gratitude—whether it’s through journaling, storytelling, or even creating a piece of visual art. Making gratitude creative turns it into something you look forward to, something that inspires you. Add creative expression into your gratitude practice and see where it takes you.
3. Share Your Gratitude With Someone: One thing Robert does beautifully is share gratitude with others. Whether it’s a teammate, a client, a collaborator, or a loved one, taking a moment to express your appreciation makes a huge impact for both of you. Think of one person you’re grateful for today and tell them. Be specific about what they’ve done for you and why it matters—trust me, it’ll brighten everything around you.

The ROI of Gratitude

Gratitude is a mindset and lifestyle that molds and shapes everything you do, especially in your business. Think of it like this: If you’re the sculptor, gratitude is your best tool. It keeps you focused on what’s working, reminds you of your why, and helps you build meaningful connections with the people who support your journey.

Gratitude makes it easier to take big leaps, say yes to aligned opportunities, and stay grounded through the inevitable challenges of life.

Could you use a little more gratitude today?

Gratefully yours, Rachel

PS: At ROI: The Millionaire Summit, we’ll dive deep into strategies like how to lead with purpose, build authentic connections, and scale your business in 2025. And yes, Robert will be there! We’re not running a Black Friday sale for ROI this year, but we have locked our prices for the full month of November. Not to mention introduced custom payment plans through Elective!?

Grab your ticket now and make plans to head to California with us in January.?

PPS:? Don’t miss this brand-new session in our series: The 84% Angle – Creating Event Content That Converts. Join Rachel live on December 5th at 1 PM ET to learn how to make your events unforgettable and turn connections into results. Register here! You won’t want to miss it!

Want out of the 30 Days of ROI party? You can opt out of this email series here, but I’ll be sad to see you go!?