This is How to Make Gratitude Your Default Attitude

Born in 1899. Ernest Hemingway was a writer, journalist and author.

His name is the inspiration behind the eponymous writing app.

He was a prolific writer.

And shared plenty of writing tips that would go on to help others write with less friction.

One of these tips was in response to a question about overcoming writer’s block.

His advice is this.

Stop writing when the going is good.

Stop when you know what’s coming next.

Next time you sit down to write, you’ll skip the pain of staring at a blank page.

Genius idea.

He was a writer in the early 1900s.

So just in case you find writing hard.

It isn’t you, it’s an ancient problem.

If you’re also finding it hard to develop a lasting gratitude practice.

Take inspiration from Hemingway.

And avoid a blank page.

Start with a prompt.

Think of 3 things that you’re grateful for.

What are you holding in your hand?

A phone? In a protective case? Powered by wi-fi?

That’s three things to say thanks for right there.

Who are you grateful for?

Your family.

Your friends.

Your high school history teacher who encouraged you to ask questions and fall down rabbit holes.

Anything good happen to you today?

You got a parking spot as soon as you pulled into work this morning.

You arrived at the train station at exactly the same time as your train was pulling in. Avoiding the need to do a Usain Bolt-style sprint to the closing doors. Which you may or may not have had to do several times last week.

That book you’ve wanted for the longest time is ready for pick up at the library.

Have you done anything you feel good about?

Made the lady at the checkout laugh out loud.

Held open a door, even when you were in a rush.

Gave your seat to the pregnant lady on the tube.

What effect has responding to those prompts had on how you feel?

It feels good to count our blessings.

The ones we receive and the ones we bestow on others.

In the Printable Planner Library there’s a 30-day Gratitude Challenge with one quick and easy daily prompt, similar to these. Request free access here.

And keep the good feelings of gratitude flowing.