Dad Tired Dad Tired Daily 004: Lions, a Thousand Cuts, and Gratitude
Jan 9, 2026
Life's little mishaps can weigh us down more than we realize. The concept of negativity bias explains why we focus on the negatives rather than the positives. But there's a bright side! Practicing daily gratitude can help retrain our brains to appreciate the good, even on tough days. Listing just three things to be thankful for can lower stress and restore perspective. Ultimately, gratitude not only heals us but strengthens our families, helping us show up better for those we love.
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Ice Cream, Four Kids, And A Rough Exit
- Jerrad describes a chaotic moment leaving Chick-fil-A with four kids and an ice cream cone flipping onto the floor.
- He uses this small frustration to illustrate how tiny annoyances pile into a draining day.
Why Bad Things Stick In Your Mind
- Jerrad explains negativity bias: our brains highlight threats more than positives because survival favored noticing danger.
- This wiring makes us remember rare negatives despite many positives surrounding us.
Start Each Day Listing Thanks
- Start your day by listing things you're thankful for to retrain your brain's priorities.
- Make it concrete: name three things or rattle off many while lying in bed or sitting in your car.