How to Incorporate a Daily Practice Into Your Routine with This Simple Exercise

We’ve all heard that gratitude is important. But what we don’t always realize is just how powerful gratitude can be.

Gratitude has the ability to change our lives completely—but only if we let it. So how can we lean into the feeling of gratitude and make it a part of our everyday lives? 

Read on to find out and listen to our companion podcast episode to get actionable tips and even more valuable content on this very topic!

You Never Know Until You Know

Have you ever realized something that you’ve known in theory all along, but then you have this powerful experience to back it up that you realize you never really knew just HOW true it actually was?

I had this exact moment with something that we all at face value could say we know is an important part of living an amazing life.

It’s something that every successful person will tell you, and yet, there’s something incredibly different about knowing the concept and fully understanding it in practice.

A Gratitude Practice Is Like Going To The Gym

You may know conceptually how to do a pushup, but it’s the practice of working out, going through the real-life motions and your attention to detail, that actually gets you the results!

And honestly, this one sounds so simple that thought I got it. But it wasn’t until I had this really powerful experience that I really understood.

And it hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember messaging friends and being like “did you know this is what it felt like?!?!? Did you know what happens when you tap into this???” 

And I knew – that in that moment, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I KNEW from the bottom of my heart that nothing I could do from that state would ever be wrong. Like it was the only way of being.

What’s this super power I’m talking about?

The Super Power Of Gratitude

Yep – I told you it would be common, probably underwhelming when I said it and seem so obvious.

I would have felt the same before this moment I keep talking about.

But hear me out.

I know I don’t have to spit off facts, quotes and other successful people’s perspectives on the part that gratitude plays in creating an incredibly delicious life. You already know.

But what I want to do is take this concept you get at face value and help you lean into the feeling, gratitude in its truest form.

Because THAT is where the magic is. 

So I’m going to do my best to share how you can get into this state of being and how to stay there as much as humanly possible so you can not only know the concept of it, but experience it on a whole other level.

My goal in all this is for you to walk away with deep and overwhelming gratitude that inspires you in a massive way.

But First, Why Gratitude?

We often forget that there are super simple tools available to us that can help us transform our lives for the better. Gratitude is one of those tools – a powerful yet underestimated practice that has literally been scientifically proven to improve mental health, increase resilience and bring more positivity into our lives.

And as a result, when we make the conscious decision to practice gratitude on a daily basis, it inevitably brings about meaningful life changes that help us lead happier, healthier lives.

Science Says…

The science behind gratitude is clear: practicing gratitude can have a profound effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help reduce stress, improve relationships, increase happiness, and even boost productivity. It has also been linked to better sleep quality and improved physical health. Gratitude is not only beneficial for the individual but it can also be used as a way to strengthen social bonds between people. All in all, gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to make lasting positive changes in our lives.

Step One – Activate the Feeling of Gratitude

Friends, I love me a good gratitude journal. (in fact my favorite one is The Five Minute Journal!)

I think it’s a fantastic idea to write down what you’re thankful for.

But it’s the second action that makes all the difference and gets skipped too often.

Sitting with what you’re grateful for longer than it takes to just write it down and putting your entire focus on why and how you appreciate that person, thing, experience, etc. 

The first step to experiencing gratitude on a deeper level is to really (I mean really!) feel it.

Feeling The Feels

Too often, we go through the motions of being thankful without truly taking the time to fully appreciate the good things in our lives. When something good happens, take a moment to really savor it. Let yourself feel all the feels. The more you practice this, the easier it will be to access those feelings of gratitude—and the more they will infuse your life with joy.

So I want you to take a second and think of one thing you’re grateful for. Jot it down. Then I want you to find a quiet spot (even the bathroom – looking at you Mom’s) and set a timer for 5 minutes, then close your eyes. 

Then bring that person, thing, experience, to the front of your mind and focus on it for the full 5 mins.

And while you’re doing this – I want you to ask yourself the classic questions.

Who, What, Where, Why and How:

• Who has this person, thing, experience made me?
• What has this person, thing, experience done that has changed my life?
• Where would I be without this person, thing, experience?
• Why am I so thankful for this person, thing, experience?
• How can I show my gratitude?

Really sit with those questions. I mean REALLY.

You’ll know it’s working when you feel what almost feels like a bubble in your chest. One that makes you want to laugh, cry, jump, skip and hug someone all at once. 

That’s what it feels like to experience true gratitude.

And if you didn’t get that feeling, that’s ok, just try again. Do it with something else you’re grateful for. Because I promise you, if you don’t have that feeling – there’s a deeper experience to be had and one that will change you.

This is the gratitude that successful people talk about. This is the gratitude that shapes the world into one of kindness, joy and vibrancy.

Step Two – Do This Every Day

Step two in this process is a simple one. Make gratitude a part of your daily routine. 5 minutes every day. And I’ll tell you why.

That feeling you get when you tap in – that is what makes every day feel like you got out of bed on the right side.

It’s the feeling that inspires you to act on something you wouldn’t have done otherwise. It’s the vibration you need to be in for amazing things to come your way. 

Vibrational energy is a whole other topic and more, but true gratitude puts you dead center in that vibrational energy that opens up the ability to receive things you knew you wanted and things you didn’t even see coming. 

So set aside time each day—even just five minutes—to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Write them down in a journal at sit with that feeling. The more you focus on true gratitude, the more natural it will become—and before you know it, you’ll be living a vibrant life from a place of thankfulness and joy.

Step Three – Keep Conflicting Energy at Bay

There are a few things that kill gratitude faster than the few minutes you took to get there. And they all start with your thoughts that drive a feeling that feels gross.

I’m talking about comparison, jealousy, and allowing your mind to accept the belief that you’re not enough. Not rich enough, healthy enough, whatever you’re telling yourself… These kinds of energy will only block your ability to experience true gratitude.

And when those feelings come (as they will), stop, notice the jealousy sneaking in and just repeat to yourself. I see you jealousy, but I’m going to choose to feel abundant right now. And then change your thought.

Instead of – ugh, why can’t I have a million dollars, six pack (you get the idea) – consciously decide you’re going to think of something that will invoke a different emotion.

It could be as simple as – I am so thankful I was able to pay rent this month early, I can’t wait to do that again or even I’m so grateful to be able to able to plank for 30 seconds – that 6 pack is on the other side of practicing that more!

Transforming Your Life Is Just A Gratitude Exercise Away

So if you’re ready to transform your life, try it.  

Allowing yourself small moments to practice thankfulness in the daily events, tasks, and connections can bring more opportunities into your life than you ever thought imaginable. Give it a try and see how living with an attitude of gratitude can fill every day will possibilities that were once forgotten or you may not have noticed in the first place.

Challenge yourself to a new habit that will only bring abundance, joy and experiences beyond your wildest dreams.

If you do this exercise every day for 5 minutes, you will change your life. There is no doubt in my mind that you will feel the effect, just like I have, in making this a habit and a daily practice.

Make A Plan

So I want you to pick a time of day that you can remember to do this. Maybe it’s just when you wake up, or when you get to your desk each morning.

Try it out and let me know how you feel.

Let me know if you experienced the same thing as me, a shift from something you thought you knew to something you are 100% sure has the ability to directly impact your life for the better. I can’t wait to hear from you.