Effective Gratitude

I’m writing this from Zion National Park, and I honestly can’t decide what amazes me more: the amazing beauty of America’s national parks or the fact that my 4- and 7-year-old sons walked 8 miles (13 kilometers) today without a major complaint. As some of you know, nature walking was a family goal for my wife and me this year, and seeing our short weekly hikes compound into full-day national park adventures is incredibly rewarding.

Today, I’m thankful for us making that commitment to be more in touch with nature. Whether or not you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, this time of year is perfect for reflecting on the people and moments that shaped your journey (coworkers, friends, or family). It’s an opportunity to strengthen connections and end the year on a positive note.

THE THEORY

Gratitude improves relationships and collaboration. Research by Adam Grant shows that expressing gratitude in the workplace builds trust and boosts engagement. A simple "thank you" can significantly increase a person’s willingness to collaborate, creating a cycle of positivity and productivity.

Gratitude rewires the brain. Neuroscience research reveals that practicing gratitude can literally change how our brains function. Regularly focusing on what we’re thankful for strengthens neural pathways associated with positivity and resilience, making it easier to stay optimistic in tough times. [Side note: Even if you don't believe this, it's a pretty low-risk experiment to just give it a try!]

It benefits the giver and the receiver. Gratitude isn’t just one-sided. Studies show that both expressing and receiving thanks enhance well-being and mood. For the giver, it’s an opportunity to reflect and grow. For the receiver, it’s a confidence boost and a reminder of their value. Gratitude is a win-win for our teams and our own minds.

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS

I’m incredibly grateful for you reading this right now. Writing this newsletter wasn’t part of a grand plan. It started as an experiment and has grown into something deeply meaningful. Knowing that these insights resonate with you, spark discussions, and even inspire actions in your life is more fulfilling than I can put into words. [Side note: You’re always welcome to reply to this newsletter and connect with me directly. I really enjoy reading questions and anecdotes!]

As we approach the end of the year, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own gratitude. Whether it’s someone who helped you succeed at work, a friend who supported you, or the small joys that made a difference on tough days, there’s always something to be thankful for.

HOW TO PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE

1. Celebrate your wins. Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished this year. Gratitude starts with yourself, so acknowledge your hard work and progress, no matter how big or small. Treat yourself to something you enjoy. It’s a well-deserved reward.

2. Send a personalized thank-you. Think of someone who supported or inspired you this year and write them a genuine thank-you note. Be specific about why you’re grateful, it adds a personal touch. Bonus points if you write it by hand.

3. Share public recognition. Gratitude can be contagious. Take a moment in a meeting or team chat to thank a colleague for their contributions. Highlighting someone’s efforts can boost morale and strengthen connections.

4. Connect with someone meaningfully. Share your Thanksgiving traditions with someone from a different culture or take this opportunity to thank someone you’ve worked closely with as the year winds down. It’s a simple yet powerful way to build connections.

5. Offer a small token of appreciation. A thoughtful gift, no matter how small, can make someone’s day. One of my favorites to give out is this Mug from Anthropologie [Side note: Last year, hundreds of you loved this idea, and I can confirm... it’s still a hit!]

Thankfully yours,

Jorge Luis Pando