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