There is something magical about the start of a new year. It’s like standing at the edge of a blank canvas, brush in hand, ready to paint a masterpiece. For many of us, it’s the time to set big goals, dream audacious dreams, and chart our path toward success. As exciting as the new year is, it can feel overwhelming.
At Proudtobeme, we understand what navigating this season is like, especially for young people chasing big dreams in entrepreneurship, employability, leadership, and creativity. The pressure to succeed, make the right moves, and stand out can sometimes cloud the joy of the journey. We all want to start the new year on the right note, but how? The answer lies in one word: gratitude.
Let me share a story.
This young woman named Tola attended a leadership workshop a few years ago. Tola had big dreams of starting a social enterprise to provide skill-building programs for teenagers in her community. As she told her story, we noticed a cloud of doubt hanging over her.
“I’ve tried everything,” she said, her voice tinged with frustration. “I don’t have the funding, I don’t have the connections, and sometimes I feel like giving up.”
During one of the sessions, the concept of a gratitude journal was introduced. It is a simple exercise where you write down three things you are grateful for daily. Tola was skeptical at first. “How will this help me solve my problems?” she asked.
She tried it. For the first few days, her entries were essential: “I’m grateful for my health,” “I’m grateful for my family,” and “I’m grateful for this workshop.”
Then, something shifted. Tola started noticing the small wins: the teenager who thanked her for a mentorship session, the friend who connected her with a potential sponsor, and the ideas that flowed during her quiet moments.
By the end of the program, Tola had a new perspective. “I used to focus so much on what I didn’t have,” she told me. “Now, I see how much I already have to work with. Gratitude has given me the strength to keep going.”
Gratitude isn’t just about being polite or saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset that shifts your focus from scarcity to abundance. Research shows that gratitude can improve mental health, boost creativity, and increase resilience—all essential traits for young leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
When you practice gratitude, you start to see opportunities where others see obstacles. You recognize the value in your experiences, no matter how small. Most importantly, you build the confidence to keep pushing forward, even when the road gets tough.
Building the Gratitude Habit
If you’re ready to start the year with a positive mindset, here are three simple ways to cultivate gratitude daily.
Write down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day. They don’t have to be significant. Sometimes, the little things, like a kind word or a productive meeting, make the most crucial difference.
Take a moment to look back at how far you’ve come. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Gratitude grows when we acknowledge our wins.
Whether it’s thanking a mentor, appreciating a teammate, or acknowledging a friend’s support, expressing gratitude to others creates positivity.
A New Year, A New Mindset
As we enter 2025, let us commit to making gratitude a daily habit.
At Proudtobeme, we believe that gratitude is more than a personal practice; it’s a leadership tool. When young people embrace gratitude, they inspire their communities, unlock new opportunities, and create meaningful change.
So, here’s to a year of gratitude. It is a year of noticing the little things, celebrating the small wins, and staying motivated to chase your biggest dreams.
What are you grateful for today? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you and start a ripple effect of positivity.
Let’s make 2025 a year to remember, one grateful moment at a time.
