The power of habit and routine is often underutilized in our busy lives. Between work, kids, and social obligations, we tend to fall into rhythms of efficiency—checking boxes, replying to emails, and running on autopilot. It’s the American way, right?
But maybe it’s time we get a little selfish with our time—in the best possible way.
Not selfish in neglect, but in intentional restoration. I’m not just talking about “stopping to smell the roses.” I’m suggesting we start the day by smelling them.
This morning, as I watched the sunrise over Nashville, I was inspired to share a morning habit that’s helped me shift my mindset and carry more peace through my day:
Gratitude Exercises
Why Gratitude?
You probably have 5–10 minutes in your morning that could be better spent on yourself. Be honest—are you hitting snooze, doom-scrolling, or refreshing your inbox before your feet hit the ground?
Let’s reclaim that time.
While your coffee or tea is brewing, clear a little space on your table, grab a notepad, and write one thing you’re grateful for. That’s it. Just one.
You may have tried something like this before—maybe with a devotional journal or a “gratitude list”—but found yourself struggling to come up with new answers every day. I’ve been there. That’s why I found an alternative that works even better.
Ask Yourself: “Why?”
When the gratitude list feels stale or forced, try this instead:
Ask yourself:
“Why am I doing what I’m doing today?”
Why am I going to workout today?
→ Because I want to stay active.
→ Because it’s good for my long-term health.
→ Because I want to enjoy life longer and not feel guilty when I indulge. (my personal “why”)
→ Because that cold beer with dinner will taste even better if it’s earned after a workout.
That little chain of “whys” turns obligation into motivation—and beneath each layer is something you’re actually grateful for.
Make It a Habit
The hardest part is consistency. But once you string together a few days of this morning gratitude, you’ll notice it:
A compounding sense of clarity, energy, and purpose.
On tough days, flip through your journal. You’ll see how far you’ve come. And much like dream journaling helps with dream recall, gratitude journaling trains your brain to notice more positive moments throughout the day. Positivity and gratitude are compounding.
My Gratitude Today
This morning, my one gratitude is for the beautiful sunrise over Nashville. We’ve had many days of rain and overcast but I chose to add value to the moments of sunshine rather than focus on the gloom.
Today, I’m focusing on the presence of the sun in the morning, not its absence.
Ready to Start?
You don’t need a fancy notebook. Just a few minutes, a quiet space, and the courage to ask:
“What am I grateful for?”
“Why am I doing this today?”
That’s how you shift from autopilot to intention. That’s how you start with positivity.
If you need help getting started send us an email at elevate615challenge@gmail.com and we’ll send over a 10-day journal template!
