In partnership with

• The Science of Gratitude [Andrew Huberman, YouTube]

• Giving thanks can make you happier [Harvard Health]

• How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain [Berkeley]

Come join me down a rabbit hole into The Gratitude Economy.

Thanksgiving reminds us of the power of gratitude—not just as a personal virtue, but as a professional superpower. In this season of thankfulness, let’s explore how gratitude can be more than a fleeting emotion.

A deliberate gratitude practice can strengthen your relationships, improve your mental well-being, and because of these improvements — drive professional growth.

Here’s how.

✣ The Science of Gratitude: Why It Works

Research proves that gratitude has transformative effects on the brain, body, and relationships:

• Strengthens Bonds: Studies show expressing gratitude to another activates neural circuits associated with trust and connection in both individuals, making relationships more resilient—and reminding people of your existence (great for referrals).

• Boosts Motivation: Gratitude practices increase activity in brain areas tied to reward and motivation. When you express thanks, people are more likely to help you in the future.

• Reduces Stress and Improves Health: Gratitude reduces anxiety and lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels and inflammation in the body. Less stress leads to clearer thinking and better decision-making—critical for building meaningful professional connections.

• Boosts Physical Health: Reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and improves sleep quality—which makes you a nicer individual for those morning meetings.

✣ Turn Relationships into Revenue

Gratitude can therefore be seen as a financial driver in your professional life in the following ways:

1 - Fosters Loyalty
People who feel appreciated are more likely to stick with you—whether they’re clients, collaborators, or team members. Retention, not acquisition, is often where businesses see the greatest ROI.

Example: Send a handwritten thank-you note to every client after a project. The result? Higher rates of repeat work and word-of-mouth referrals.

2 - Increases Referrals
Gratitude cultivates goodwill, and goodwill generates opportunities. When you express genuine thanks, people remember it—and recommend you.

Pro Tip: After a networking event, send personalized thank-you messages to people you connected with. A simple “I really appreciated your insights” can lead to unexpected opportunities.

3 - Opens the Door to Collaboration
Gratitude is a shortcut to trust. Trusted relationships lead to partnerships, deals, and co-created opportunities.

Example: In your next LinkedIn post, publicly thank someone who’s helped your career. It not only strengthens that relationship but shows your network that you value collaboration.

✣ An Effective Gratitude Practice

According to neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, this is the most effective gratitude practice you can perform to reap all the benefits of gratitude on neuroplasticity and thus professional relationships.

1 - Ground Yourself in a Narrative

• Focus on a genuine story where either:

  • You received gratitude.

  • You observed someone receiving gratitude.

• Capture key elements of the story, such as emotional states before and after the gratitude exchange.

2 - Create a recall process

• Write brief bullet points summarizing the story for quick recall.

3 - Feel the Gratitude

• Spend 1-5 minutes, three times a week, deeply reflecting on the gratitude experience.

✣ Why Gratitude Is Profitable

The key to a thriving professional network is simple: people work with those they know, like, and trust. Gratitude fuels all three.

• ☑️ Know: Expressing thanks keeps you top of mind in your network.

• ☑️ Like: A grateful person is seen as approachable and authentic.

• ☑️ Trust: People who feel valued will go the extra mile to support you.

✣ Gratitude in Action

This week, I want to thank you. Your continued commitment to this letter during this rebrand inspire me to keep building and sharing strategies to grow meaningful and prosperous connections.

I encourage you to extend your gratitude into your professional lives. It might just lead to your next breakthrough collaboration, deal, or opportunity.

Sincerely,

LG

Your Connection Activator

P.S. Let me know how gratitude has impacted your life or business—I’d love to hear your stories!

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