In this episode, Joe shares a personal story about his father, two very different types of people he observed over Thanksgiving, and why gratitude may be one of the most overlooked advantages creators can build right now.

Joe explains how a well-known research study divided people into three groups: one that listed things they were grateful for, one that listed their hassles, and one that listed neutral events. The gratitude group ended up healthier, more optimistic, more energetic, and made more progress toward their goals. The complainers did worse across the board.

Gratitude, Joe argues, is not soft or optional. It is a strategic mindset that fuels clearer thinking, better decisions, and more resilience. Complaining drains energy and momentum. Gratitude restores both.

He closes with a simple, practical gratitude checklist you can use daily, weekly, and during tough moments to shift your mindset and strengthen your creator journey.

Gratitude Checklist from the Episode

Daily • List three things that went right today. • Reframe one complaint into something that is still working. • Thank one person out loud for something specific. • Use a small routine as a gratitude trigger.

Weekly • Send one short note to someone who made a difference for you. • Celebrate one tiny win you would normally overlook. • Write down one lesson you learned from something hard.

When life gets tough • Ask yourself, "What can I still control?" • Find one part of the situation that can make you better. • Notice one physical ability you still have and appreciate it.

If you want to take the next step, try one or two items from the checklist this week. Small habits compound quickly.

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Gratitude As Competitive Advantage (525)