How to Start a Gratitude Practice that Actually Sticks

Gratitude is the feeling of appreciation or thankfulness for the good things in our lives. It's a simple concept but one that can have a profound impact on our well-being and happiness. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased feelings of joy and contentment, better physical and mental health, and stronger relationships with others.

Establishing a consistent gratitude practice, where we make an effort to regularly reflect on and express gratitude, can be a powerful tool for improving our quality of life. But starting a new habit can be challenging, and it's common for people to struggle to stick with their gratitude practice. In this blog, we'll explore some strategies for how to start a gratitude practice that actually sticks.

Setting the stage for success

One key to starting a gratitude practice that sticks is to set yourself up for success from the outset. Here are a couple of tips for getting started:

1. Identify a time and place to practice gratitude daily: Choose a time of day that works best for you to reflect on and express gratitude. Some people find it helpful to do this in the morning as a way to set a positive tone for the day, while others prefer to do it in the evening as a way to wind down before bed. Choose a place that is quiet and conducive to reflection, such as a comfortable chair or a peaceful outdoor spot.
2. Choose a gratitude journal or method that works for you: There are many different ways to practice gratitude, so it's important to find a method that resonates with you. Some people prefer to write in a physical gratitude journal, while others prefer to use a gratitude app or simply speak their gratitude aloud. Experiment with different methods to see what works best for you.

Making gratitude a habit

Establishing a new habit takes time and effort, but with some persistence, it's possible to turn your gratitude practice into a consistent part of your routine. Here are a couple of strategies for making gratitude a habit:

1. Start small and gradually build up: It's easy to get overwhelmed if you try to do too much too soon, so it's important to start small and gradually build up the frequency and depth of your gratitude practice. Maybe you start by expressing gratitude once a day for a week, then gradually increase to twice a day, and so on. You can also start by expressing gratitude for simple things and gradually work your way up to more complex or meaningful things.
2. Use reminders or accountability: It's easy to forget to do something new, especially if you're trying to fit it into a busy schedule. Setting a reminder on your phone or calendar can be a helpful way to stay on track. You can also enlist the help of a friend or family member to hold you accountable and remind you to practice gratitude.
3. Reward yourself for sticking with it: Giving yourself a small reward for consistently practicing gratitude can be a great motivator. This could be something simple like a treat or a special activity, or something more substantial like a new piece of equipment for your gratitude practice (e.g. a new journal or pen). The key is to find something that feels meaningful and motivating to you.

Personalizing your gratitude practice

While there are some general principles that can help anyone start and stick with a gratitude practice, it's important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Experimenting with different approaches and finding what works best for you is key to making your gratitude practice meaningful and sustainable. Here are a couple of ideas for personalizing your gratitude practice:

1. Experiment with different types of gratitude prompts: There are many different things you can be grateful for, and different prompts can help you focus on different aspects of your life. Some examples of gratitude prompts include:
2. Things you're thankful for: These could be material possessions, experiences, or people in your life.
3. Acts of kindness you've received: Reflecting on the kindness of others can help you appreciate the good in people and strengthen your relationships.
4. Personal accomplishments: Think about the things you're proud of, no matter how big or small.
5. Incorporate gratitude into your daily routine: Another way to make your gratitude practice more meaningful and sustainable is to find ways to incorporate it into your daily routine. For example, you might choose to express gratitude before or after meals or as part of your bedtime routine. You could also try incorporating gratitude into your workday by taking a few moments to reflect on something you're grateful for during breaks or at the end of the day.

By experimenting with different approaches and finding what works best for you, you can make your gratitude practice more personalized and meaningful.

Overcoming obstacles to gratitude

While practicing gratitude can bring many benefits, it's not always easy. It's normal to encounter obstacles or challenges along the way, and it's important to be prepared for these and have strategies for overcoming them. Here are a couple of tips for overcoming common obstacles to gratitude:

1. Recognize and address negative thoughts or beliefs: It's natural to have negative thoughts or beliefs from time to time, but these can get in the way of feeling grateful. If you find yourself struggling to feel grateful, try to identify any negative thoughts or beliefs that may be holding you back. For example, you might be telling yourself that you don't deserve to be happy or that you don't have anything to be grateful for. Once you've identified these negative thoughts, try to challenge them by reframing them in a more positive light.
2. Seek support: If you're struggling to stick with your gratitude practice, it can be helpful to seek support from others. This could be friends or family members who can encourage and remind you to practice gratitude or a therapist who can help you work through any underlying issues that may be holding you back. Having a support system can make it easier to stay on track and overcome any challenges that come up.

By recognizing and addressing negative thoughts and beliefs and seeking support when needed, you can overcome obstacles and make your gratitude practice a consistent and meaningful part of your life.

In this blog, we've explored some strategies for how to start a gratitude practice that actually sticks. We've looked at setting the stage for success by identifying a time and place to practice gratitude and choosing a journal or method that works for you, as well as making gratitude a habit through consistent practice and the use of reminders or accountability. We've also discussed the importance of personalizing your gratitude practice and overcoming obstacles that may arise.

By starting and sticking with a gratitude practice, you can experience the many benefits of gratitude, including increased feelings of joy and contentment, better physical and mental health, and stronger relationships with others. So why wait? Start your gratitude practice today and see the positive impact it can have on your life.