One really easy way to get started practicing gratitude is to make a habit of counting your blessings both morning and night. Sometimes the idea of writing them down can seem overwhelming. Don’t let this be about how hard it may seem, rather focus on the change you want to create. I’ve had the most success with this gratitude journal, it has helped me count my blessings as well as record my daily wins. Simply taking a few minutes when you wake up or before you go to bed is enough to begin cementing this new practice into your routine. Before long, you’ll begin noticing blessings you hadn’t thought of before. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Start Small

Easing into any habit is usually the best approach. By making it easier on yourself, you’ll be more inclined to continue moving forward. So, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to come up with grand examples of gratitude when you’re just starting out. Just appreciating the bed where you’re starting and ending the day can be something to add to your initial list. Sometimes simply recognizing a tiny blessing can have a big impact.

Add It On

A helpful method for remembering your new gratitude habit is to add it to your existing routine. Whatever you normally do in the morning and at night, be sure to include a few minutes to think of what makes you feel fortunate. For example, if you study your scriptures every morning, this would be a good connection to make. Sitting down to study will soon become a reminder to contemplate on your three things.

Create Visual Reminders

If you find yourself forgetting to do it or skipping out on your new task, add some visual cues to your environment. Post-it notes are great for this. Stick one on your nightstand. Add another to your bathroom mirror. Technology comes in handy for reminders, as well. Set an alarm on your phone so that you don’t leave the house or fall asleep without taking the time to consider what makes you feel thankful.

Turn it Around

You can also try the opposite. Turn complaints around into something positive. Maybe you wake up with a sore back and don’t want to get out of bed. It may seem obvious, but reminding yourself you’re overall in good health and you have a safe place to sleep can do wonders for your outlook. Try to find the silver lining. It really works.

Take Notes

A good habit can be jotting things down during the day as they happen. It only takes a few seconds to make a note of what you feel grateful for at the moment. You can reflect on it later during your bedtime routine.

Hopefully, you now see how getting into the habit of recognizing the good things in life really isn’t difficult. A few small changes to your routine and you’ll find it’s actually an easy practice to implement. 

What are some simple ways you have found to create a habit of gratitude?

Creating the Habit of Counting Blessings