Why Building a Gratitude Practice is Hard

Certainly, establishing a gratitude practice, despite its profound benefits, can present challenges due to various psychological, societal, and habitual factors. Here's an exploration of why building a gratitude practice can be difficult:

1. Negativity Bias: human brains are wired to pay more attention to negative experiences than positive ones, a phenomenon known as negativity bias. This inherent inclination often makes it challenging to shift focus towards positive aspects and acknowledge gratitude amidst life's complexities. Overcoming this bias requires intentional effort and consistent practice.

2. Instant Gratification Culture: living in a fast-paced society that thrives on immediate results can hinder the cultivation of gratitude. Gratitude is a long-term practice that requires patience and persistence. The lack of immediate tangible outcomes might discourage individuals from continuing their gratitude journey.

3. Comparative Nature: constant comparison with others, especially in the age of social media, can diminish feelings of gratitude. People often compare their lives with curated and idealized versions portrayed on social platforms, leading to feelings of inadequacy and discontentment. This constant comparison makes it harder to appreciate and be thankful for one's own circumstances.

4. Adversity and Challenges: during challenging times or periods of adversity, finding gratitude can seem particularly arduous. It's natural to overlook blessings when faced with difficulties, as the focus shifts to problem-solving and coping mechanisms. However, these challenging moments are precisely when gratitude can be most beneficial, albeit more challenging to practice.

5. Cultural and Upbringing Influences: cultural norms and upbringing can significantly impact one's approach to gratitude. Some cultures may emphasize humility and downplay expressions of personal gratitude, making it harder for individuals to recognize and openly express thankfulness.

6. Consistency and Commitment: establishing a new habit, such as a gratitude practice, demands consistency and commitment. Amidst busy schedules and numerous responsibilities, finding time to reflect and express gratitude regularly can be a challenge. Without consistent effort, building a sustainable gratitude practice becomes difficult.

7. Overlooking Small Blessings: gratitude often involves acknowledging and appreciating small, everyday blessings. However, amidst the chaos of daily life, these small moments of joy and gratitude might go unnoticed. Cultivating mindfulness and awareness to recognize these subtleties requires conscious effort and practice.

8. Initial Discomfort or Unfamiliarity: for some individuals, expressing gratitude might initially feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. It requires stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing vulnerability by openly acknowledging feelings of appreciation towards oneself, others, or life circumstances.

Overcoming these challenges necessitates a deliberate and mindful approach towards cultivating gratitude. It involves a shift in mindset, consistent practice, and a willingness to embrace gratitude as an integral part of daily life. Starting with small steps, such as keeping a gratitude journal, practicing mindfulness, or consciously expressing appreciation, can gradually pave the way toward building a meaningful and sustainable gratitude practice.

That’s why we created Soul, a tool that makes it easier than ever for anyone to build a gratitude practice. We intentionally designed it so one takes small steps in building a gratitude journal. These small steps ultimately lead to a longer-term practice that can empower all of us to reap the benefits of gratitude.