3 Tips to Help When Gratitude Feels Hard
by Heidi Sadecky, MA,PCC – Executive Coach & Director, Townsend Leadership Program
November is a month known for reflection and today I find myself reflecting on the words of Dr. John Townsend: "Gratitude is the fuel that powers true leadership. It centers you, keeps you humble, and helps you see the people around you as the invaluable contributors they are."
These words resonate deeply as I look back on my journey. Leaving behind a corporate career to step into leadership coaching was a leap of faith, marked by uncertainty but also immense growth. Today, I am grateful for the courage it took to make that change, and for the fulfillment that followed.
This month, as we collectively consider the people and moments that shape us, I encourage leaders at all levels to pause and recognize their blessings. Gratitude not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters authentic and compassionate leadership.
If you’re finding it hard to connect with gratitude during this busy and often challenging time, you’re not alone. Here are three tips to help rediscover gratitude:
Struggling to Feel Grateful? 3 Tips for This Month:
Start a Simple Gratitude Journal: Set aside five minutes each day to write down one or two things you are grateful for. These can be as simple as a positive conversation, a moment of quiet, or even completing a small task. Writing these down helps anchor your mindset in gratitude.
Connect with Your Community: Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or peers for brief check-ins. These connections can remind you of the supportive network around you and bring fresh perspectives to moments you may have overlooked.
Practice Mindful Pausing: During a busy day, take a short pause to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and acknowledge one thing you appreciate about that moment. This practice can help shift focus from stress to recognition of what is good, even if it’s small.
Remember, gratitude is a practice that takes nurturing, especially in tough times. As leaders, embracing this practice not only enriches our personal well-being but also influences those we lead by creating a culture of appreciation.
I encourage you to pause and embrace the power of gratitude in your own leadership journey. It’s not only about looking back but also about recognizing the value of every step forward.
Remember, your leadership matters.
Heidi Sadecky is a seasoned expert in guiding leaders to excel in their roles, overcome workplace obstacles, and achieve tangible outcomes. Armed with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and certification from the International Coach Federation, Heidi is dedicated to empowering leaders to redefine their leadership trajectories and amplify their impact on the global stage.
Recognized as a sought-after corporate trainer and facilitator, Heidi possesses a diverse array of specialized coaching certifications, including Gallup StrengthsFinder, Emotional Intelligence, Conversational Intelligence, Conflict Dynamics, and Working Genius. As the sole director of the Townsend Leadership Program in the Northeast United States, she extends her expertise to group members from across the region, spanning Ohio, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, and beyond. With Heidi's guidance, leaders unlock their full potential, fostering transformative change within themselves and their organizations.
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