Using Gratitude To Fuel Motivation

Ever notice how the simplest idea can spark the biggest change? That’s exactly how gratitude feels. It’s not just about being cheerful, it’s about creating momentum that makes us want to keep going. In the latest podcast episode (player above), we explore the power of gratitude from a neurodivergent perspective and uncover how it fuels our motivation.

This chat dives into why gratitude is so much more than just good vibes, especially for adults with dyslexia or other neurodivergent thinking styles. Stephen Martin shares personal experiences that highlight how acknowledging moments of thanks—even the tough ones—can clear shame and open space for growth. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical ideas for building a gratitude list and looking back on progress over time.

Why Gratitude Matters

Gratitude isn’t just about focusing on what’s positive. For many of us, especially neurodivergent thinkers, it’s the emotional fuel that kick-starts energy. It can remind us that we’ve got reasons to heed our inner spark. Tough days don’t feel as heavy when we remember moments of joy or personal wins.

It’s easy to forget that being thankful is a process. Sometimes we put gratitude in a box labelled “fluffy feelings.” But this episode reminds us that even small thanks can lead to big actions. When we’re aware of our blessings, we’re more patient with ourselves and more willing to try new things.

Emotional Fuel for Neurodiverse Brains

Neurodivergent minds often thrive on emotion. If something feels right, it’s easier to invest efforts into it. Gratitude works the same way: it fuels motivation and ignites curiosity to keep going. This is especially helpful when juggling day-to-day tasks.

“Gratitude is not just about positivity, it’s emotional fuel for real change.”

Stephen’s words remind us that when we express gratitude, we anchor ourselves in what’s real. We make meaningful connections—even with the messy parts of life. It’s a spark that can turn a passing thought into a goal we actually pursue.

Building a Simple Gratitude Practice

Ever tried journaling monthly highlights? It’s one of Stephen’s favourite tips for capturing standout moments before they slip away. By writing them down, we can revisit our growth later. The mind often forgets these small wins, so a recorded list is like a personal time capsule.

It’s also useful to thank yourself for enduring the hard stuff. Recognising challenges shows you’ve come out on the other side stronger. Here are a few ways to start building a gratitude practice:

• Short Journalling Sessions: Jot down one thing you’re grateful for each day—or each week if daily feels like too much.
• Monthly High Points: Look through your calendar or photos and write a quick list of moments that made an impact.
• Gratitude Reminders: Set an alarm on your phone that prompts you to pause and think of something that went right.
• Reflect on the Tough Times: If you survived something tough, note how it changed you and shaped your resilience.

These habits don’t just fill your cup, they also help you revisit a backlog of positivity when life’s challenges pile up.

Carrying Positive Experiences Forward

Building gratitude isn’t about erasing challenges. It’s about holding onto good experiences so they carry us through the hard parts. Instead of letting shame take up residence in our minds, we shine a light on how far we’ve come.

That momentum can turn a spark into a flame. We start making decisions based on what lights us up, rather than what holds us back. Sharing gratitude with friends, family or even colleagues can create ripples, because it encourages others to notice their own wins too.

This practice can also serve as a mental “reset button.” When the brain spirals into negative self-talk, remembering small victories steadies us. It sets the stage for trying again, even if we stumbled yesterday.

• Gratitude is not just about being positive, it’s about emotional fuel.
• Neurodivergent thinkers often thrive on strong emotional connections.
• A gratitude list helps reveal personal growth over time.
• A few words of thanks can uncover new motivation.
• Reflecting on both good and hard moments supports resilience.

Ready to dig deeper? There’s plenty more in the full episode. You’ll hear Stephen share personal stories, practical journalling tips and insights on how gratitude can reset your mental framework—inspiring you to take action.

Give it a listen and see if a simple gratitude practice could spark big changes in your life. Don’t forget to drop by rightbrainresetters.com to join the club, and take advantage of 20% off your first order at addednutrition.com. For more insights or support, visit truthaboutdyslexia.com and join our Facebook group for adult dyslexia. We’d love to hear what you’re grateful for today!