The Power of Gratitude: A Lesson for Business Owners and Leaders

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and for me, it’s a time to pause, step away from the day to day, and truly reflect on what I’m grateful for. As I pack up and head to the desert for an extra long weekend, I’m reminded of how much I value moments of quiet—away from emails, meetings, and deadlines. There’s something magical about sitting by the campfire under the stars, hearing nothing but the stillness of nature, and letting my mind reset.

For business owners and leaders, these moments of reflection are more than just a break; they’re an opportunity to embrace gratitude, which can have a profound impact on how we lead and inspire others. Gratitude isn’t just a personal practice—it’s a professional superpower.

Let me share why gratitude matters in business, along with how you can weave it into your leadership style.

Gratitude Recharges Your Leadership Energy

In the desert, surrounded by endless skies and quiet landscapes, I feel my mind shift. The daily worries of work melt away, replaced by a deeper sense of appreciation—for my family, the teams I get to work with, and even the challenges that help me grow.

It’s easy to get caught up in solving problems or chasing the next goal. But gratitude allows us to recharge our energy and shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance. When we lead from a place of abundance, we inspire others to do the same.

Quick Tip: Take time to step away from your routine—whether that’s in nature or simply by carving out quiet moments during the day to do some deep intentional breathing. Use this time to reflect on what’s going well and who you’re grateful for.

Gratitude Builds Stronger Connections

One thing I always notice when I return from time in nature is how much clearer my mind feels. That clarity helps me connect more authentically with the people around me. We have a tradition around the table to each say one thing that we are grateful for.

In business, expressing gratitude strengthens relationships—with clients, team members, and partners. A simple "thank you" can go a long way toward building trust and loyalty. Gratitude shows others that you see their efforts and value their contributions, creating a positive ripple effect in your organization.

Quick Tip: Send a heartfelt thank-you email to a team member or colleague who’s gone above and beyond. Be specific about what they’ve done and why you appreciate it.

Gratitude Fuels Resilience

The quiet of the desert also reminds me that challenges are temporary. Every obstacle in business, like every chilly desert night, is followed by warmth and clarity.

Gratitude helps us see challenges as opportunities to grow. It shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what we can learn and appreciate about the situation. This mindset builds resilience, which is essential for navigating tough times.

Quick Tip: The next time you face a challenge, write down three things you’re grateful for about the situation. It could be the lessons learned, the support you received, or even the strength you discovered in yourself.

A Personal Reflection

As I pack my toy hauler for this trip, I’m reminded how much I need this time to step away and reconnect with gratitude. Time with family and friends, looking up at the stars, reflecting on the year, and feeling a renewed sense of appreciation for each step along the journey—these moments are what fuel me to return stronger, more focused, and ready to lead.

Gratitude isn’t just something to practice during the week of Thanksgiving—it’s a mindset that can transform how we lead and how we approach our work. So whether you’re heading to be with family, or staying right where you are, I encourage you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks.

Let’s Start a Gratitude Ripple

What are you most grateful for this year? Is it your team? Your growth? The lessons learned through challenges?

I’d love to hear your reflections—reach out to share what’s filling your gratitude bucket this season.

Wishing you a restful, reflective, and gratitude-filled week.