Why Gratitude is the Ultimate Power Move For Entrepreneurs

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good buzzword—it’s a game-changer. As Harvard Health puts it, practicing gratitude can help us “feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” That’s not just science—it’s strategy.

My friend Rachel DesRochers knows this better than most. Rachel, the founder of Grateful Grahams, currently leads the Incubator Kitchen Collective, where she empowers entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses. She even created decks of gratitude cards to help others reflect on the good in their lives. But here’s the thing: life hasn’t always been easy for Rachel. She’s faced challenges like every entrepreneur, but her gratitude practice is what keeps her grounded and thriving.

At Lightship, we’ve adopted this mindset in our own way. Every week, we hold “shoutout” moments where our team celebrates wins, thanks each other, and reflects on progress. These aren’t just warm-and-fuzzy rituals—they’re foundational. Gratitude reframes how we approach challenges and reminds us of what’s going right.

Gratitude also has tangible benefits for entrepreneurs. According to Forbes, practicing gratitude boosts creativity, helps you build resilience, and strengthens relationships—three pillars of entrepreneurial success. When you pause to recognize what’s working, you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, opening doors to better decision-making and stronger connections.

Here’s how you can integrate gratitude into your life and work:

• Start Small: Write down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day.

• Create Gratitude Moments with Your Team: Whether it’s a weekly shoutout session or a thank-you note to a colleague, make gratitude a shared experience.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait for the big milestones to celebrate—acknowledge the small steps forward.

Gratitude won’t erase challenges, but it will give you the perspective and energy to overcome them. Like light seeping into cracks, it transforms how you lead, connect, and grow.

Rachel’s journey, Lightship’s weekly practices, and the science of gratitude all point to one truth: Gratitude isn’t just about what you feel—it’s about what you do with it. As we dive into 2025, let gratitude be the superpower that fuels your success.

Lightship Founder + CEO,

Candice Matthews Brackeen