Show notes
Happy November! If you tuned in last week, you know I’m pivoting a bit with this podcast. Life has its ebbs and flows (I don’t think I need to remind anyone of that these days), and the best I can offer is to show up as I am, pressing record—or, in this case, hitting publish—without over-editing or chasing perfection. Progress, not perfection, ALWAYS!NOTE: IF YOU READ OR LISTEN TO THIS, YOU’LL LEARN HOW TO GET A HANDMADE PAPERCUT CARD FROM ME IN 2026!Shifting into Gratitude SeasonSince it’s Thanksgiving season (or at least it is while I’m writing), it’s the perfect pause in the year to reflect on gratitude. Don’t worry—I’m not going to get “woo-woo” on you, but I do want to share why this matters, how I’ve made it practical, and a bit of the science behind why gratitude makes a difference.I started weaving gratitude micropractices and mantras into my routine around the time of Covid, when I was juggling a newborn and a four-year-old and desperately wanted to feel some agency amid chaos. Honestly, those little rituals—whether jotting down “wins” at the end of the day or simply closing my eyes to send a random, silent thank you to someone—helped me feel anchored.And yes, I dove into the research. Practicing gratitude is scientifically linked to improved sleep, stronger immunity, and reduced anxiety. According to UCLA Health, simply practicing gratitude can immediately raise your happiness by 10% and lower depressive symptoms by 35% (though consistency is key, like with any good habit).The Pathway to Success: Napoleon Hill and Going the Extra MileLately, I’ve been steeped in the teachings of Napoleon Hill—both “Think and Grow Rich” and his vintage Master Key TV series. What really stuck out was his focus on Going the Extra Mile. He teaches that true success isn’t about doing just enough to get by; it comes from intentionally choosing to exceed expectations. Not to get something in return, but to build trust, inspire others, and create a ripple effect of excellence.Sure, there are folks who only want to do more after the reward is promised. But for me, Hill’s point is about character. Going the extra mile is about who we are when no one’s watching—not just what we’ll get in return.How Gratitude and Going the Extra Mile IntertwineSomething I’ve realized: gratitude rituals push us to go the extra mile. When you consciously practice gratitude—whether it’s writing out your “plusses” at the end of the day or offering a heartfelt shout out at work—you naturally want to give more. It motivates you to show up for others and strengthens the fabric of your relationships, both at home and at work.I see this constantly on my teams and in my own life. When people express gratitude, they become more engaged, more willing to chip in, and more likely to do the little extra things that make a difference. Hill’s principle and gratitude rituals really are intertwined, because both are about intentionally investing care and attention, not just for today but for a lifetime of building community and trust.My Simple Gratitude RitualsIf you’re hoping for some ideas: I don’t ask anyone to do a 28-day gratitude bootcamp (though “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne was a wild ride when I tried it). My rituals are simple, accessible, and sustainable.* At the end of most days, I scribble down five to ten “plusses”—good things, big or small, that happened that day.* Sometimes I close my eyes and silently thank someone, anyone who pops into my mind.* At work, I’ll shoot off a random thank-you Slack or email, or give someone a shout out in a meeting. These little moments ripple out in ways you’d never expect.But my signature move? Random LinkedIn recommendations—I’ve even built a little AI co-pilot to help. Every Thursday(ish), I pick someone from my career who’s made a difference, and I write them a note for the world to see, celebrating what makes them special.And then there are my five-minute handmade paper cut gratitude cards. I make them without fuss, usually for no reason other than to let someone know they matter. The responses are sometimes instant and overwhelming—a few people have confessed those cards reached them on the day they needed it most. That’s why I do it.Want a Card From Me?If you’ve read this far, here’s a little offer: I’d love to send you a handmade gratitude card in 2026. Just fill out the Google Form in my Substack or newsletter with your name and address. No gimmicks, no spam—just one human expressing thanks to another.However you celebrate (or don’t celebrate) Thanksgiving, I hope this inspires you to create or deepen your own gratitude ritual. Maybe even reach out to someone today and let them know you appreciate them—go the extra mile, just because.Thank you so much for reading, for supporting me, for being part of this journey. Wishing you whatever it is you need most right now—connection, rest, courage, or simply a moment to pause and feel thankful.With gratitude,MonicaWhenever you’re ready, I can help you with:* Workshop design and facilitation* Facilitation and workshop training, including AI Opportunity Mapping, Strategy & Design Sprints* Intention setting, planning, and incremental progress for success This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit facilitationartist.substack.com