In a world consumed by constant motion, filled with deadlines, digital distractions, and the pursuit of personal success, thankfulness often takes a back seat. Many of us sporadically express gratitude, usually during moments of heightened awareness, like Thanksgiving or when life gifts us something unexpected. However, this inconsistency in being thankful may have significant long-term effects on both individuals and society at large.
The Decline of Gratitude
Gratitude is universally acknowledged as a virtue across all major cultures and religions. Historically, it has been ingrained in spiritual practices, philosophical teachings, and social traditions. But in today’s fast-paced society, thankfulness is frequently overshadowed by stress, ambition, and the desire for more.
According to a study published by Forbes, while nearly everyone can identify moments in life that make them feel grateful, the practice of daily gratitude is not as common as one might think. A 2022 poll cited by The New York Times revealed that less than half of Americans regularly express gratitude in their daily lives. Many people are thankful in fleeting moments—when they receive a gift, avoid disaster, or achieve a personal goal—but fail to maintain this practice consistently over time.
This inconsistency reflects a broader issue of disconnection from mindful practices that nurture well-being. In his book Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer discusses the decline in such spiritual habits, linking it to an overall sense of dissatisfaction that permeates modern society. Comer argues that people often neglect important spiritual disciplines, like gratitude, because they are focused on productivity, digital engagement, and a hurried lifestyle.
Negative Long-Term Effects of lacking In Gratitude
Gratitude is not just a feel-good sentiment. It has been linked to numerous benefits, including improved emotional health, stronger relationships, and greater life satisfaction. However, when gratitude is practiced inconsistently, individuals miss out on the full range of its potential benefits.
Increased Stress and Anxiety: Neglecting thankfulness can have a direct impact on emotional health. According to an article in The Guardian, people who fail to regularly practice gratitude are more likely to experience higher levels of stress and anxiety. A lack of gratitude allows negative emotions—such as envy, frustration, and discontent—to take hold. This is because gratitude acts as a buffer against the negative impacts of life’s inevitable challenges. Without it, individuals can feel overwhelmed by difficulties, leading to greater stress and anxiety over time.
Reduced Social Connections: Gratitude has been shown to strengthen relationships, but when it is practiced sporadically, its effects are weakened. An article in Psychology Today suggests that people who fail to regularly express gratitude are less likely to form deep and lasting bonds with others. Without the habit of thanking others for their kindness and support, relationships may become strained or superficial, contributing to feelings of isolation.
Diminished Life Satisfaction: Research from the Harvard Medical School highlights how consistent gratitude practices are linked to higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. When people only occasionally practice gratitude, they are less likely to experience these long-term benefits. Instead, they may feel a sense of lack or incompleteness, always searching for more material or external achievements to fill the void.
Impact on Physical Health: According to a study published in The Wall Street Journal, individuals who consistently practice gratitude have lower blood pressure, better sleep, and a stronger immune system. In contrast, those who are inconsistent in their gratitude practices are less likely to see these health benefits, leading to potential long-term consequences for their physical well-being.
Positive Long-Term Effects of Consistent Gratitude
On the flip side, when gratitude becomes a regular practice, it can have transformative effects on a person’s life. John Mark Comer highlights the importance of this in Practicing the Way, where he emphasizes the need for spiritual habits, like gratitude, to be woven into daily life. According to Comer, practicing gratitude consistently can help individuals find deeper peace, contentment, and connection in a world that often feels chaotic and fragmented.
Enhanced Mental Health: Consistent gratitude has been linked to a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. A study published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who kept a gratitude journal for just two weeks experienced significantly lower levels of depression and increased optimism. Regularly focusing on what one is thankful for rewires the brain to recognize the positive aspects of life more easily, reducing the impact of negative thoughts and emotions.
Strengthened Relationships: When practiced regularly, gratitude enhances personal relationships by fostering appreciation and empathy. According to a New York Times report, individuals who frequently express gratitude to their partners are more likely to feel satisfied in their relationships and less likely to experience conflict. Thankfulness creates a positive feedback loop, where acts of kindness and appreciation are reciprocated, leading to stronger, more supportive bonds.
Improved Resilience: Life’s inevitable hardships become easier to bear when one has a strong foundation of gratitude. In a Washington Post article, psychologist Dr. Robert Emmons explains that people who regularly practice gratitude are better equipped to handle stress and recover from trauma. Gratitude provides perspective, allowing individuals to focus on the good even in difficult times, which builds emotional resilience.
Increased Life Satisfaction and Happiness: Perhaps the most significant benefit of consistent gratitude is the overall sense of well-being and happiness it brings. Research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley found that people who regularly practice gratitude report higher levels of life satisfaction, greater optimism about the future, and a stronger sense of purpose. This is because gratitude shifts one’s focus from what is lacking to what is already present and abundant.
Physical Health Benefits: The Mayo Clinic highlights how regular gratitude practices can improve sleep quality, increase energy levels, and reduce chronic pain. These physical health benefits are often linked to the reduction in stress and the promotion of a more positive emotional state, which can enhance overall well-being.
Cultivating Consistent Gratitude
Cultivating a consistent practice of gratitude requires intentionality, especially in a world that often prioritizes busyness over mindfulness. John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way offers practical insights for building these spiritual disciplines into daily life. Comer suggests creating space for reflection, journaling, and slowing down enough to notice the blessings present in every moment.
One effective method for cultivating consistent gratitude is by keeping a daily gratitude journal, or something more wholistic such as the Matters Journaling System. Research published by The Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who wrote down three things they were grateful for each day experienced increased happiness and decreased depressive symptoms over time. The simple act of writing can help shift focus away from stressors and toward the positive aspects of life.
Incorporating gratitude into daily routines can also be powerful. This might involve expressing thanks to a loved one, reflecting on positive experiences before bed, or taking a moment of silence in the morning to appreciate life’s blessings. The key is to make gratitude a habit, rather than an occasional practice.
What Matters
The average person may struggle with inconsistency when it comes to practicing gratitude, but the long-term effects of this neglect are significant. A lack of thankfulness can contribute to higher stress levels, weaker relationships, and reduced life satisfaction. However, by embracing gratitude as a consistent practice, individuals can experience profound benefits, from improved mental and physical health to stronger social connections and greater resilience.
The Matters Journaling System is a practical and simple starting point to help ensure each day you consider what you're thankful for22. Developed by Formation Insights, you can learn more about Matters here, or click here to get started for the first time.