As we head into Thanksgiving (in the United States), Joel and Marissa get practical about gratitude—the tiny habit that expands your perspective, steadies your pace, and strengthens relationships. From a coffee-cup thought experiment to a one-line script you can use today, you’ll learn how gratitude fuels goal-pursuit, patience, and team trust.

Key Takeaways

See the Hidden Team. AJ Jacobs’ experiment widens your lens for the work that goes into a single cup of coffee, from baristas to farmers, drivers, even road-line painters. Gratitude makes interdependence visible—fast.
Scarcity Shrinks, Gratitude Expands. Scarcity tightens and isolates. Gratitude opens possibility and connection. Choose the bigger frame.
Use the Script. Turn everyday encounters into bright spots by acknowledging the importance of the work of those serving you. Try: “Thank you for choosing your profession.” You’ll change the atmosphere (and often the outcome).
Make It a Planner Habit. Use the Weekly Preview’s blank pages for a running gratitude list. Log “wins” and your Daily Win through a gratitude lens—not just achievement.
Results You Can Feel. Gratitude has a measurable impact on our success and relationships. It boosts engagement, trust, and goal progress—and even increases financial patience.
Practice in Real Time. Shouldering something inconvenient? Reframe with gratitude (“What might this be protecting me from?”) and watch your state shift.

Resources:

Thanks a Thousand by AJ Jacobs

Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/fAfPHbnoANw

This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound

How Gladness in God Becomes Love for People

Light + Truth

Heart Motive Over Mere Duty

The AI-powered Podcast Player