The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is a small step that can unlock incredible momentum. But I didn’t always know what it meant to “practice gratitude.”

I grew up in a third-world country where survival was the priority. Every day, we worried about making ends meet. Reflection was a luxury, and gratitude wasn’t something we expressed or practiced—it was just assumed. We didn’t have the time or space to count our blessings.

Years later, after escaping that hardship, I found myself with an office job and the stability I had long hoped for. Life still had its challenges, but nothing as dire as what I faced growing up. That’s when I began to understand what practicing gratitude could mean.

Take my journey to landing a job at Google, for example. I interviewed three times before receiving an offer. The first two times, I approached the process with desperation: I perfected my resume, secured referrals, and practiced relentlessly. But during the interviews, I was so focused on “winning” the offer that I wasn’t myself. I came across as nervous and overly eager—and I didn’t get the job.

The third time, I took a different approach. I reminded myself of what I already had: a secure job with a boss who appreciated my work and a growing scope of responsibilities. I realized that if I didn’t get the offer, I’d still be okay. That perspective gave me calm and confidence. During the interviews, I treated my interviewers as potential colleagues, asked genuine questions, and shared my ideas with curiosity. I wasn’t afraid to show who I was—and this time, I got the offer.

To me, practicing gratitude means appreciating what you already have and drawing strength from it. Gratitude creates a sense of calm and confidence that allows you to face challenges without fear. It’s not just about counting blessings—it’s about using them as a foundation to tackle whatever comes next.

I’ve made it a tradition to spend Thanksgiving week reflecting deeply on gratitude. I start by listing the people who have supported and contributed to my journey this year and beyond.

Then, I express my gratitude to them in one of three ways:

• - Sending a heartfelt email

• - Writing a handwritten postcard

• - Treating them to something small, like coffee or chocolate

The goal is simple: let them know they matter, and that I’m grateful for their presence in my life. This practice not only strengthens my relationships but reminds me of the incredible support I have as I move forward.

Gratitude is simple yet powerful. As the year winds down, I invite you to reflect:

• - What are you grateful for right now?

• - How can that gratitude give you the strength to approach your goals for 2025 with calm and confidence?