I just wanted to wish you and your family my very best this holiday season. Keeping a positive mindset is one of the first concepts I teach because it’s foundational to living a better quality of life. Gratitude and positivity go hand in hand, and by making thankfulness a daily habit, you can transform how you see the world.

10 Tips to Cultivate Gratitude This Thanksgiving and Beyond

Stop sweating the small stuff and start celebrating life’s blessings.

JOSEPH A. ARANGIO, M.S., C.S.C.S.

Let’s dive into some actionable ways to cultivate gratitude and positivity every day.

1. Reflect on Wins and Losses
It’s important to reflect on both your wins and losses, remembering that every failure is one step closer to success. Folks occasionally concentrate too much on insignificant things like "terrible traffic" or a "rainy day." But those little frustrations aren’t worth your energy. Instead, focus on the bigger picture—what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown.

Actionable Tip: Each night, jot down three things that went well and one challenge you faced. Then write how you'll approach that challenge differently next time. For example, if you’ve been stuck in traffic, use the time to listen to an inspiring podcast or call a friend to catch up.

2. Make Thankfulness a Daily Habit
But you have to make thankfulness a daily habit. My personal habit is to start each day by reciting the things I’m thankful for. It’s a simple practice that re-centers my focus and keeps my mind in a positive place. Gratitude shifts your perspective from what’s missing to what you already have.

Actionable Tip: Set your phone alarm to remind you every morning to list three things you’re grateful for. Write them in a journal, say them aloud, or share them with someone close to you. The key is consistency—it’ll quickly become second nature.

3. Celebrate Your Environment
I am thankful to live in the greatest country in the world, in the awesome Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where we enjoy all four seasons. Spring brings the flowers, summer means I get to ride bikes with my family and visit the beach, fall is simply beautiful with sunny days and brisk nights by the fire, and snowy winters are fun. Taking time to notice and appreciate the beauty around you can significantly boost your mood.

Actionable Tip: Create a seasonal gratitude list. For fall, take a hike and soak in the foliage. For winter, enjoy a cozy evening by the fire with loved ones. Immerse yourself in the unique experiences each season offers.

4. Strengthen Bonds with Loved Ones
I am thankful for my beautiful wife and co-pilot, Sharon, and our children, Giavanna Marie and George Stevenson. They are my world. This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on how much I appreciate the love and support of my family. Relationships are the cornerstone of a meaningful life.

Actionable Tip: Pick one person each week to thank in a meaningful way. Write them a note, give them a call, or simply spend quality time together. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.

5. Appreciate Your Health and Fitness
Exercise, namely resistance training, is the closest thing to the fountain of youth, and I’m incredibly thankful for the ability to move my body and stay active. Your health is a gift that enables you to do everything else in life.

Actionable Tip: Commit to moving your body every day. Start small, like taking a walk or doing 10 minutes of stretching, and build from there. Track your progress to keep the momentum going.

6. Express Gratitude for Your Career
I’m thankful to have a career that enables me to help others live a better quality of life. Whether it’s coaching, teaching, or guiding someone, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work has a positive impact.

Actionable Tip: Set a monthly goal to learn one new skill that enhances your ability to help others. Celebrate milestones, no matter how small, and share your wins with your community.

7. Share and Relive Cherished Memories
Super thankful for our loving and supportive family, particularly Mom and Dad. My parents raised four kids and supported us every step of the way. Looking back at old photos, like one of my siblings and me in 1979 or more recent memories with family visiting from Milan, reminds me of how blessed I am.

Actionable Tip: Create a gratitude photo album—digital or physical—where you save pictures of meaningful moments. Revisit it often to keep those memories fresh in your mind.

8. Be Thankful for Challenges
Challenges shape who you are. Raising a family, navigating career hurdles, or overcoming personal struggles all build resilience. Even moments of fear or doubt, when faced head-on, teach you valuable lessons.

Actionable Tip: Write down three challenges you’re currently facing. Then, next to each one, list how they’re helping you grow. Use these reflections as motivation to keep moving forward.

9. Inspire Gratitude in Others
When you express gratitude, it’s contagious. Whether it’s within your family, your workplace, or your friend group, you can encourage others to adopt a gratitude mindset.

Actionable Tip: Host a gratitude dinner. During the meal, take turns sharing what you’re thankful for. It’s a great way to bond and spread positivity.

10. Start the Ripple Effect of Positivity
I can go on and on for days about things that I am thankful for... but most of all, I am thankful for having YOU in my life. Your commitment to living a better life inspires me every day. Gratitude isn’t just about looking back—it’s about shaping how you see the world moving forward.

Actionable Tip: Start a “positivity jar.” Each day, write one good thing that happened on a piece of paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the year, revisit all the amazing moments that filled your days.

This Thanksgiving and every day, let gratitude be the compass that guides you. Reflect on what you have, cherish the people around you, and celebrate the journey you’re on.

Summary:

Thanksgiving’s here, so let’s stuff ourselves with gratitude instead of just turkey. Stop whining about traffic or rain—it too shall pass. Start each day by counting your blessings, like family, the four seasons of Pennsylvania (even the snow), and resistance training—aka the fountain of youth. Coach Joe’s thankful for Sharon, his kids, and his entire family. And challenges? They’re just life’s way of making you tougher. So, grab a journal, list what makes you smile, and remember, gratitude is contagious—spread it like gravy on mashed potatoes. Happy Thanksgiving! Pass the pie.

To your success,

Coach Joe

P.S. I created a fat-loss program you can do from anywhere. This would make a great gift for folks who are looking to get healthy. It's 50% off for Black Friday and you can check it out here.

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.