Unlocking the secrets to a fulfilled life, this article delves into the myriad ways CEOs harness gratitude as a transformative tool for joy and success. Drawing on the wisdom of seasoned leaders, it offers practical steps to integrate thankfulness into everyday routines and leadership strategies. Learn to elevate personal and professional well-being through expert-backed practices that range from gratitude journaling to community engagement.
- Gratitude Is a Leadership Strategy
- Accept Help to Avoid Burnout
- Gratitude Journaling Before Bed
- Family Dinner Gratitude Ritual
- Engage in Community Service
- Start Day with Positive Reflection
- Send Handwritten Thank-You Notes
- Team-Building Trips to Show Appreciation
- Keep a Gratitude Journal
- Balance Humility with Achievement
Gratitude Is a Leadership Strategy
As a CEO, cultivating gratitude isn’t just a personal practice…it’s a leadership strategy. Gratitude keeps me grounded and sharp, reminding me to recognize the human effort behind every success. One impactful practice I’ve adopted is the “Daily Three.” Every morning, I write down three specific things I’m grateful for, whether it’s a small win, a lesson from a challenge, or simply the quiet joy of family moments. This practice shifts my mindset, enabling me to lead with clarity, resilience, and an authentic appreciation for the journey. Gratitude isn’t passive…it’s active, transformative, and essential for thriving in the modern workplace.
Tara Furiani
CEO, Not the HR Lady
Accept Help to Avoid Burnout
In my very early years as a business owner, I thought I had to do it all myself; nobody could do it as well as me. The truth was, I was unable to accept help. When someone offered, I’d push it away so that I didn’t carry the debt of owing them a return favor. Eventually, I hit near burnout.
In exploring new ways to lead myself into living a life full of vital energy, I found a practice called “Ayni.” A core value of the Andean communities; a concept based on the idea that everything is connected and that people should give and receive in comparable ways. The concept taught me that when I give from my heart’s desire, the energy will come back to me in other ways. Today for you and tomorrow for me.
Once I was able to receive and accept help, I became grateful for so many things in my life. This gratitude expanded and brought me more opportunities to be grateful for. Gratitude is the gateway to living a fulfilled and joyful life.
Dr. Amanda Carpenter, PT
CEO, iah.fit
Gratitude Journaling Before Bed
Honestly, I have struggled greatly with pausing to appreciate wins and success as a CEO of a startup. This has nothing to do with the materiality of the successes and everything to do with my blinkered approach of getting things done as fast as possible. However, to address this in the past and picking it back up again in the present—I find the practice of gratitude journaling just before bed really helps. It consists of listing 3-5 events/things during the day that were “amazing.” I love this practice as it takes simple and seemingly uneventful events and reframes them into really positive thoughts to close the day with.
Nick Burnett
CEO, Selph
Family Dinner Gratitude Ritual
Every night at dinner with my family, we talk about one thing we’re each grateful for, a routine that has become a mainstay of my day. It’s not only a way to spend time with my loved ones, it’s a moment to step away from the demands of leadership and tune into the joys and blessings of life. That ritual makes me feel close to my family and reminds me to be grateful for the personal support network that enables my working life.
What is beautiful about this practice is its simplicity. It only takes a few moments to check in with ourselves about what we are grateful for, encouraging mindfulness and moving the focus from the difficulties of the day to positive aspects that might otherwise be overlooked. These moments of reflection create a sense of contentment and joy, whether it be gratitude for a small act of kindness, a productive meeting, or simply enjoying a good meal together.
This is extremely grounding for me as a leader. Leadership has its own level of stress and responsibility and it can be easy to lose yourself in the pressures of decisions, deadlines and success. One reader wrote to tell me that sitting down with his family and listening to their expressions of gratitude puts things in perspective and reminds him what’s important. It also reminds me that balance is key and that I work so hard for a reason, to construct a meaningful life for myself and my family.
Beyond the personal benefits this practice has afforded me, it has shaped the way I lead at work. Having that mindset at home has helped me carry it into work as well. One of the things I try to do is to call out the contributions of my team, and specifically say thank you publicly so that it becomes a culture that people adopt. This has a ripple effect, boosting morale and building rapport in the workplace.
What is so powerful about this practice is that it is accessible. It doesn’t take any special tools or need any elaborate planning, just the determination to pause and think. Throughout the years, it has shown me how to find the silver lining even when the clouds of adversity loom over. Not only has this perspective made me relax and embrace the joys of life again, it simply makes me a better, more thoughtful and compassionate leader.
I recommend that others conduct such rituals, both at home and at work. Speaking some words of gratitude with those around you can repair relationships, enhance mental health, and ultimately bring some peace into even the busiest of days.
Becky Babb
CEO, The Last Resort
Engage in Community Service
Engaging in community service has been one of the most impactful ways I cultivate gratitude and appreciation as a CEO. Regularly giving back to causes I care deeply about allows me to step outside the daily responsibilities of running a business and connect with the broader community. This practice not only reinforces my gratitude for the resources, opportunities, and privileges I have, but it also provides a profound sense of purpose and perspective. It serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life, helping others, building connections, and creating positive change.
When I participate in community service, whether it’s volunteering time, contributing to local initiatives, or supporting organizations that align with my values, I experience a renewed sense of connection and fulfillment. These experiences often reveal the resilience and strength of the people I’m helping, which inspires me to approach my own challenges with a greater sense of appreciation. It’s humbling and energizing to be part of something bigger than myself or my business, and it provides clarity about the impact I want to have on the world.
Engaging in these activities also helps me unwind and find joy in everyday life. Stepping away from the constant demands of leadership to focus on others allows me to recharge emotionally and mentally. The simple act of contributing to a cause reminds me to appreciate the little things, from the support of my team to the milestones we achieve together. These moments of gratitude help me maintain balance and stay grounded, even during stressful times.
Additionally, community service has a ripple effect on my leadership. It reinforces the values of empathy, compassion, and service, which I strive to embody in my interactions with my team and clients. By making gratitude and giving back a central part of my life, I’m able to inspire others within the organization to adopt similar practices, creating a culture of appreciation and social responsibility.
For anyone looking to cultivate gratitude, I would recommend finding a cause that resonates deeply with you and committing time or resources regularly. The impact of this practice goes beyond what you give, it’s about what you gain, a renewed perspective, a deeper sense of fulfillment, and a lasting reminder of the value of connection and contribution.
Sean Smith
CEO & Ex Head of HR, Alpas Wellness
Start Day with Positive Reflection
I’ve learned that gratitude isn’t something you simply stumble upon in the midst of your busiest hours—it’s something you choose. Let’s be honest: running a growing company can feel like juggling flaming torches while trying to read the wind. One eye is always on the next big challenge, and it’s all too easy to slip into a pattern of chasing what’s around the corner, instead of appreciating what’s right in front of you.
Over the years, I’ve realized that pausing to acknowledge the bright spots in my day makes a huge difference. When I deliberately focus on what’s working—maybe it’s a team member who went above and beyond, a kind note from a client, or even just a really good cup of coffee before a busy morning—I find myself more grounded. This shift in perspective helps me wrap up my day with a calmer mind.
One simple practice that helped? Before I open my inbox, I take thirty seconds to think back on something good that happened the day before. It might be as big as signing a great new client or as small as noticing that my sales director cracked a joke that brought the whole team to laughter.
This tiny ritual, almost like a mental warm-up, reminds me that my work isn’t just a never-ending to-do list—it’s filled with human connections, personal growth, and countless reasons to feel grateful. And it turns out that holding onto a little appreciation at the start of the day leaves me better equipped to handle whatever comes next.
Kevin Connor
CEO, Modern SBC
Send Handwritten Thank-You Notes
One gratitude practice I have found especially meaningful as a CEO is sending handwritten thank-you notes. This positive yet simple gesture allows me to give heartfelt thanks to team members, partners, or even clients for their contributions. Amid the era of emails and digital communication, putting the effort into a handwritten note means a lot. It requires thoughtfulness and effort, and the effect on the recipient is deep. He also noted that these notes strengthen relationships, build trust, and bond.
When I write thank-you notes, I get specific. Instead of mailing a generic “thank you,” I call out the specific action or contribution I’m grateful for, whether it be that a team member went above and beyond on a project, a client offered valuable feedback, or a partner helped to solve a challenging problem. This level of detail shows that these things are appreciated, and it helps establish authenticity and reinforces the idea that what you do really matters.
Adding to the joy of this practice, is how this practice also uplifts me! When we experience gratitude on the outside it has such an impact internally and creates a ripple effect. Taking these notes forces me to think about what is going right with my work and who makes it worthwhile. It refocuses my mind from just seeing challenges or things to do to recognizing the teamwork behind any success. Taking time to reflect on my day in this way also leaves me feeling more grounded in my mission as a leader and enables me to decompress from the day, fulfilled.
Writing thank-you notes has also led to a daily grounding ritual. I spend it in a quiet moment, away from distractions, to write these notes. This pause translates to taking a break from the busyness of daily demands and redirecting my time and energy towards the meaningful relationships that matter most in my work. In the process, it does exactly that, it brings clarity and a refreshing jolt of joy as to why I do what I do.
It has ripple effects beyond individual relationships. It helps create a culture of gratitude in the organization. When team members find that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, this creates a positive sense that they are appreciated for their efforts. This, in turn, boosts morale and furthers team camaraderie. Gratitude is sweeping, and this simple act of acknowledging someone inspires others to do so.
Justin McLendon
Lcmhc, Lcas & CEO, New Waters Recovery
Team-Building Trips to Show Appreciation
As the founding partner of our firm, I’m incredibly fortunate to work with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals, and I want to make sure they know how valued they are. One way I express this is by creating opportunities for us to connect and recharge as a team, like our rafting trips in Moab and the Grand Canyon.
These experiences were inspired by my own awe of nature—being moved to tears by the beauty of those landscapes was life-changing for me. I wanted to share that feeling with my team, not just as a team-building opportunity but as a way to show my appreciation for everything they do. Watching us bond, laugh, and grow together during these trips has brought me so much joy, and it’s my way of saying “thank you” for all they contribute to our success.
Kevin Alexander
Founding Partner, Parker Alexander
Keep a Gratitude Journal
As a CEO, I often find myself constantly overloaded, which can have a negative impact on my efficiency and optimism. At the beginning of my career, this state seemed normal, and I thought nothing needed to change. In recent years, however, I have begun to find a work-life balance, and cultivating a sense of gratitude has helped me to do so, both for myself and for my team. It is important to remind myself of the talented people I work with and that their accomplishments should not be devalued.
I practice keeping a gratitude journal where every night I write down three things I am grateful for myself and three things I am grateful for my team. These entries are very personal, but they support my inspiration and desire to work. I regularly remind my team of victories, big and small, that they should be proud of to keep the team spirit high. These things help shift attention from stress to positivity, and begin to appreciate even seemingly insignificant things. Your team is the foundation of your business, the engine of the process, so always take the time to remind them of that. But don’t forget your own accomplishments, which deserve recognition as well.
This practice of gratitude reminds me every day why I started this journey and why I run my business. Why these people are with me. It keeps a positive atmosphere in the company and gives us strength.
Valentin Honcharov
CEO, Claspo
Balance Humility with Achievement
In order to cultivate gratitude as a CEO, it has to be your way of being through all the “roles” you hold in life, not just the one at work. So living a full life, believing in something bigger than yourself be it your faith or humanitarian purposes, and staying mindful of what really is important. Humility balanced with achievement is one way a CEO can not only cultivate gratitude but role model it for others. Realizing your success is never achieved by you alone is critical to understand. The most effective way I practice gratitude is to take inventory of my needs that are rarely met and how they are different than my wants.
Sue Wilburn
CEO, URise Consulting, LLC