Happiness isn’t something you pursue; it’s what you discover through gratitude. Join us as we explore the intersection of gratitude and leadership, inspired by George Washington’s example. Learn how to build habits of thankfulness, deepen your leadership impact, and lead with peace.
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Welcome to the Leadership Quotient. I’m Dusty Holcomb. And each day, I’ll share a meaningful quote and explore how it applies to leadership and personal growth. Together, we’ll unpack lessons that help you lead yourself and others with purpose and clarity. Let’s get started.
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It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy. Unknown author. What’s your first instinct when you think of happiness? For most of us, it’s something to be pursued, Something we’ll get to once we achieve the next goal or overcome the next challenge.
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But what if happiness isn’t something to chase? Gratitude flips the script. It reminds us that joy isn’t found in striving, but in acknowledging what we already have. And as leaders, this mindset shift transforms how we approach every relationship, every decision, and every moment. In 17/89, George Washington declared the 1st national Thanksgiving.
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It wasn’t during a time of abundance or ease. The United States was young, fragile, and uncertain. Yet Washington called for a day to reflect on and give thanks for the blessings of unity, freedom, and resilience. This act wasn’t about ignoring challenges. It was about choosing gratitude despite them.
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As leaders, we can learn from this gratitude. Isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about finding the good in the moment you have. Do those you lead know that you are grateful for them? Gratitude is more than a feeling.
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It’s a choice, a discipline, and an act of service. Here are 3 practical ways you can apply this within your life. 1st, make it personal. Take time today to express specific gratitude to someone you serve or lead. 2nd, anchor your day in gratitude.
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Start or end your day by writing down 3 things you’re thankful for. 3rd, use challenges as a reminder. When stress arises, pause and ask, what is this moment teaching me? What will I be grateful for later? How can I be grateful right now?
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Gratitude transforms leadership because it grounds us in the present and shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance. George Washington’s example reminds us that gratitude is most powerful when life feels uncertain. Gratitude is contagious. When you express it openly, it inspires those around you to pause and appreciate their own blessings. It deepens your connections, strengthens your leadership, and most importantly, it brings peace to your heart.
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Leadership through gratitude doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence. Here’s your challenge. Take one step today to show gratitude to someone in your life. Maybe it’s a quick thank you email to a colleague handwritten note to a loved one or a heartfelt moment of acknowledgement to someone on your team.
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Thanks for joining me on the Leadership Quotient. I hope today’s quote gave you something to think about and apply in your leadership journey. If you found value in this episode, I’d love for you to share it, subscribe, or leave a review. Leadership is a journey. Keep moving forward, and I’ll see you next time.
