The gratitude practice that changed my life (and my business)!

I don’t know about you, but when things feel extra heavy and life keeps throwing obstacles my way, I find it really hard to not feel lonely and attacked. 

Especially, when those difficult seasons start to impact my business. 

When the business struggle hit hard and the sales stop coming in, it’s hard not to second guess yourself and think about whether or not you should even keep doing this. You start to question whether all your hard work is even worth it. 

And the last thing you wanna hear from people when you’re feeling this type of way is to find the blessings. 

In moments like these, you just want answers and someone to tell you what to do. You want someone to hear you out, to support you, and all of your problems to go away! 

What you DON’T wanna hear is someone’s woo-woo B.S saying: “Hey, maybe you should try practicing some gratitude.”

Or at least that’s what you think.

But here’s a crazy thought: 

What if practicing gratitude was actually the answer. 

What if I told you that building gratitude could actually have an incredibly POWERFUL impact on your life and your business?

You see, as creative entrepreneurs, we tend to undervalue, underestimate and undersell ourselves ALL THE DAMN TIME.

• We don’t think we’ll ever make enough money to leave our 9-5’s.
• We have trouble believing anyone will want to pay TOP DOLLAR for what we have to offer.
• We compare ourselves to other competitors in our industries. 

These limiting beliefs hold us back from becoming the THRIVING CEO’S we have the potential to be. 

That’s where GRATITUDE comes in. 

A gratitude practice isn’t just about waking up and saying, “OH, I’m SO thankful I have a bed to sleep on!”

• It’s about celebrating the small wins in life. 
• It’s about recognizing just how far you’ve come.
• It’s about clapping for yourself anytime you feel like you’re gonna crumble. 

Because trust me, y’all – on some days, those tiny pick-me-ups, those silent claps of triumph is exactly what you need to put your foot back on the gas and get moving again.

Now don’t get me wrong, you can practice gratitude ANY WAY you like. But after YEARS of figuring out what works me, and working with different personal development coaches, I’ve found a method that’s transformed my life, mindset and business in ways I never could’ve imagined. 

And I’m sharing that method with you! 

(drumroll please!)

GRATITUDE JOURNALING!

Now I know what you’re thinking…

Gratitude journaling isn’t exactly a BRAND NEW, exciting idea. Thousands of people (entrepreneurs included) maintain a gratitude journal for years and years. And some of them even have their own, including me! 

But before you make up your mind on whether gratitude journals are a YAY or a NAY for you, hear me out on the 4 BIG ways in which gratitude journaling has changed how I show up for my business every day:

#1 It’s helped me become MORE CONFIDENT

When I started RECORDING every win in my business (and my life), even the tinest of wins, I became more familiar with what success felt like. I remember noticing how I felt after hiring my first employee, creating a new product that people LOVED, or even celebrating a milestone in sales. 

Once I shifted my attention from all the things I lacked and started focusing on everything I’ve learned and everything I’ve accomplished, my whole attitude changed. 

And what I expected from myself and my business changed. 

I realized that there are reasons to CELEBRATE every day in my business. 

And I realized that often, I was responsible for those wins!!

That recognition made me feel WORTHY. 

It boosted my confidence and did WONDERS for my self-esteem.

Most importantly, it gave me the faith and the drive to KEEP GOING no matter what- even during the difficult seasons. 

#2 It’s helped me GET INSPIRED

Let’s be real: even on your best days, it takes an INSANE amount of energy to keep showing up in your business. 

And then there are those days when you’re fatigued, burnt out, overwhelmed and COMPLETELY tapped out of all your energy and inspiration. 

On days like these, journaling forces you to sit with your thoughts, no matter how uncomfortable, and you’d be surprised what can happen when you put pen to paper with no expectations.

And trust me, the more you continue to do this, you’ll jot something down and you’ll be triggered by an idea that triggers another idea, and another idea. 

#3 It’s reduced my STRESS and anxiety

As entrepreneurs we are NO strangers to stress and anxiety. It’s basically a part of our DNA. 

Fun fact: Studies have shown that 72% of entrepreneurs admit to living with at least one mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. So, just an FYI if you’re consisdering getting into entrepreneurship. 

Practicing gratitude regularly can make a HUGE difference in your physical and emotional health. 

And listen I’m just telling you what the science and research says: Those who introduce a gratitude-oriented pratice into their lives experience fewer aches and pains. They are less impacted by negative emotions like envy, resentment, and frustration. AND they are also more emotionally resilient and WAYY better-equipped to handle crisis situations with calmness and maturity. (Which is ESSENTIAL as a business owner!) 

#4 It’s increased my productivity and focus

By starting my day off journaling I’m able to clear my mind and really focus in on my goals and priorities for the day. 

It’s helped me become less overwhelmed because I know exactly what I have to do on any given day and I know what my capacity is. 

I’m able to prevent saying YES to things I simply don’t have time for which has helped me stay purposeful and intentional on a daily basis. 

So the truth is, sis – if you want to THRIVE in life and in business, you have to find something that works for you. Something that helps you get your thoughts in order, keeps you focused on your goals, helps you act with intention and purpose, and keeps you from falling apart whenever a minor inconvenience happens. 

So, in my opinion, keeping a gratitude journal is a NO BRAINER. 

Now you can absolutely use any type of journal you like, but because I’m OBSESSED with this (#sorrynotsorry), I kinda went ahead and built my very own ALL-IN-ONE Daily Journal, Gratitude Guide, Productivity Log And Accountability Tracker!

You see, I wanted to create a JOURNAL that would really speak to creative entrepreneurs like you and me and help us:

• Become self-aware of how and where we’re spending our time and energy
• Track our progress
• Monitor which thoughts we’re choosing to give power to every day.

The GUIDE TO THRIVE JOURNAL comes with AM and PM activity prompts to help you start and end your day on the right note. And if you use it right, it can REALLY transform your MINDSET and help you focus on gratitude, productivity and growth in the coming year. 

You can check it out here RIGHT NOW → https://amzn.to/3O7iKvb

Remember – Where your focus goes, energy flows. 

So if you want to welcome in abundance and surround yourself with positivity in life and in business, an attitude of gratitude is THE way to go!

Xo, Janelle