A Simple Gratitude Practice That Actually Works by Peter Diamandis

When was the last time you felt deeply grateful?

Not just a passing "thank you," but that profound appreciation for everything: your health, loved ones, your purpose in life, and this extraordinary moment in human history that we're privileged to inhabit.

In our exponential world of infinite possibilities, it's easy to get lost in the overwhelm.

Think about it: Our ancestors would view us as gods. We’re living in a deluge of constant miracles and plenty.

But here's the beautiful paradox of Thanksgiving: It calls us to pause this relentless forward momentum and simply appreciate how far we've come.

We’ve transcended the brutal 80-hour workweeks our ancestors toiled just to survive.

Today, each of us has access to more knowledge, resources, and capabilities than history's most powerful rulers.

We have much to be grateful for.

The Gratitude Advantage

The neuroscience of gratitude is amazing. It’s all upside—a force multiplier.

Here's why:

#1. It rewires your brain. Literally. Gratitude triggers dopamine and serotonin, making you feel better instantly. The practice increases the production of oxytocin, which promotes bonding and trust, and elevated levels of norepinephrine, which helps with attention and energy.

#2. Gratitude is contagious. When you're in gratitude, you're burning 30% brighter, and everyone around you feels it.

#3. It transforms leadership. Grateful leaders build resilient, inspired teams.

There is NO downside to gratitude, ONLY UPSIDE.

A Thanksgiving Challenge

Here's a simple practice I use that's perfect for this holiday season:

Each evening, as I’m falling asleep, I identify three things I'm grateful for. Surprisingly, they're rarely about work or technology—usually, they're about my kids, family, friends, and simple moments of joy.

This Thanksgiving please consider doing the same.

As we gather with loved ones this holiday, remember: We're living in the most extraordinary time in human history. Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better still.

That's something to be truly thankful for.