One Note a Day of Gratitude

by Lisa Marie Bradley-Coates

November is Gratitude Month at The Worthy Educator!

In the fast-paced world of administration, it’s easy to get swept up in a whirlwind of responsibilities—endless to-do lists, looming deadlines, back-to-back meetings, and the never-ending stream of emails that seem to multiply overnight. Administrators are often the quiet backbone of their organizations, the ones who ensure that systems run smoothly, communication flows efficiently, and that the chaos of daily operations is kept at bay. They are planners, problem-solvers, and peacekeepers all rolled into one, often managing a hundred small details that no one else notices until something goes wrong. Yet amid this constant motion, one simple, intentional habit can create a remarkable difference in both personal well-being and professional effectiveness: writing down one thing you’re grateful for each day.

Gratitude isn’t just a warm or sentimental feeling—it’s a mindset and a practice that can fundamentally reshape how we experience our work and interact with others. Research in psychology and workplace wellness consistently shows that practicing gratitude can lower stress levels, enhance concentration, and boost overall job satisfaction. When administrators cultivate gratitude, they often find themselves approaching challenges with more patience, optimism, and balance. Instead of reacting from frustration or fatigue, they respond from a grounded perspective and appreciation. In a profession where emotional endurance and adaptability are key, that shift can make all the difference.

The beauty of this practice lies in its simplicity and accessibility. You don’t need a fancy journal, an elaborate routine, or even a large block of time. At the start or end of each day, take just thirty seconds to jot down one thing—big or small—that you’re thankful for. It could be a major accomplishment, like successfully coordinating a large event or resolving a difficult issue that’s been lingering for weeks. Or it might be something delightfully simple: a kind email from a colleague, a moment of laughter during a stressful afternoon, or a quiet few minutes to enjoy your morning coffee before the day begins.

Over time, these small daily reflections become more than just notes on a page—they form a tangible record of goodness. On days when stress feels overwhelming or motivation runs low, flipping through previous entries can remind you of the positive moments and small victories that might otherwise have faded from memory. The cumulative effect of this practice helps train the mind to notice and appreciate the good more naturally. Gratitude becomes less of a conscious effort and more of an ingrained way of seeing the world.

This daily act also gently reshapes how you frame your experiences. Many administrators end their days reviewing what’s unfinished—emails unanswered, projects pending, or problems yet to be solved. That mental habit can make it difficult to disconnect and rest. By instead ending the day with a moment of gratitude, you redirect your attention to what went right, what progress was made, and what connections or kindnesses brightened the day. It’s a small mental shift, but it has a profound emotional impact. Gratitude fosters resilience helps reduce feelings of burnout and nurtures a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can sustain you through even the busiest seasons.

For those in leadership or administrative roles, gratitude can also have a powerful ripple effect throughout the workplace. When leaders model appreciation, it creates a culture where others feel seen, valued, and motivated. A simple “thank you” or acknowledgment of effort can go a long way in boosting morale and fostering teamwork. You might even consider bringing the practice into your organization in small, creative ways—perhaps by inviting team members to share one highlight or positive moment during weekly meetings, or by creating a shared “gratitude board” in the office where staff can post notes recognizing acts of kindness or success. These gestures not only strengthen relationships but also remind everyone that positivity and appreciation are integral parts of professional growth.

In an environment where efficiency often takes priority, gratitude offers a necessary counterbalance. It reminds us that productivity and positivity can coexist—that taking a few moments to reflect doesn’t detract from success but rather enhances it. Gratitude keeps us grounded in what truly matters: connection, collaboration, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing our efforts make a difference. For administrators, who often work behind the scenes ensuring that others have what they need to thrive, this reflection can be especially affirming.

There will always be challenging days—moments when deadlines pile up, when plans go awry, or when appreciation feels scarce. But even on those days, finding one small thing to be grateful for—a supportive coworker, a lesson learned, or simply the strength to get through—can shift the emotional tone of the day. Gratitude does not deny difficulty; rather, it gives us the courage and clarity to face it with grace. It reminds us that even in the most hectic times, there are moments of meaning waiting to be noticed.

In a role that demands constant giving—of time, energy, and attention, this small daily ritual is a way to give back to yourself. It’s an act of self-care disguised as reflection, one that replenishes your inner resources so you can continue supporting others with patience and compassion. One note a day. One quiet moment of recognition. Over weeks and months, those notes become a mosaic of positivity—a living reminder that goodness is woven through even the busiest days.

Ultimately, keeping a daily gratitude note is not just about recording nice thoughts; it’s about transforming the way we experience our professional and personal lives. It helps administrators stay anchored amid the chaos, to see beyond the checklist and recognize humanity in their work. Over time, this simple practice builds not just a list of grateful moments but a mindset—steady, resilient, and optimistic—that sustains and uplifts through the inevitable challenges of administrative life.

Lisa Bradley-Coates is an Education Administrator with the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice and a Board Member for the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, based in Richmond, Virginia. She has also served on the Teacher Advisory Board for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She is honored as a former ASCD Emerging Leader and a former Teaching Ambassador Fellow for the U.S. Department of Education. You can contact her via email here.

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