
In the hustle of internal communications, it’s easy to feel like we’re running on a treadmill, constantly juggling tasks without pausing to reflect. But here’s the thing: taking even a moment to express gratitude can have a profound impact—not just on others, but on ourselves.
In The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor, he explains that practicing gratitude isn’t just about being polite; it’s about rewiring our brains to recognize and amplify the positive. Research shows that regularly expressing gratitude can:
Improve productivity and well-being by 31%
Increase chances of promotion by 40%
Strengthen relationships and teamwork
If you haven't already read this book, I highly recommend it. One of the key takeaways from Achor’s work is that “happiness fuels success, not the other way around.” When we focus on fostering positive emotions—like gratitude—we build stronger connections, improve collaboration, and even reduce stress.
As communicators, we know the power of words. Building recognition of teams or individuals into our comms can:
Reinforce trust and collaboration
Motivate and energize teams
Create a ripple effect of positivity across the organization
Recognition is best when we are specific about what our people did, why it mattered, and explain their effort's impact or positive outcome. You can even include a quote from a leader or an executive. Sometimes, a simple “thank you” can have the biggest impact, when it’s genuine.
In the video, I challenged everyone to thank one person who impacted their life. Inspired by The Happiness Advantage, here’s another challenge worth accepting:
For the next 21 days, spend a few minutes each day reflecting on and writing down three things you are grateful for. These could be:
Moments that made you smile or laugh
Feelings of accomplishment, big or small
Positive interactions
Shawn Achor says when we are specific and bullet every detail we can remember, the practice trains our brains to focus on the positives instead of scanning for threats. Over time, it rewires our brain to notice and amplify the good in our day-to-day lives.
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good exercise, it’s contagious and a powerful tool that reframes how we see the world and approach our work. As communicators, we spend so much time uplifting others, often without pausing to recognize the good in our own lives.
By committing to this 21-day gratitude challenge, you’re choosing to boost your own well-being and also set the tone for positivity and connection in the workplace. Remember, happiness isn’t just the result of success, it’s the fuel that drives it. Let’s build a ripple effect that spreads far beyond our immediate circle.
I see you. I appreciate you. And I can’t wait to hear what you discover over the next 21 days.
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