In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook gratitude as a tool for making ethical decisions. But research—and real-world experiences—suggests otherwise. Gratitude, far from being just a "feel-good" sentiment, plays a crucial role in guiding our actions, helping us make decisions aligned with our values. This post, the first in a five-part series on practical ethical decision-making, will explore how gratitude serves as a powerful foundation for making clearer, more ethical choices.
During my time in prison, gratitude was a concept that transformed my life. I developed the Bitter or Better course, where gratitude was at the heart of finding happiness within, even in that challenging environment. It wasn’t about ignoring reality but embracing the good, even in the smallest moments. That shift helped me understand the power of gratitude—not only as a means to personal happiness but also as a guiding principle for making better, more ethical decisions.
Gratitude as the Foundation of Ethical Decision-Making
At its core, gratitude is a mindset of appreciation for the present moment, for what we have, and for the people around us. This perspective helps us focus on our values and what truly matters, making it easier to resist the pressures that often lead to unethical behavior.
A study published in the Journal of Psychological Science found that people who practiced gratitude were more likely to exhibit self-control and make thoughtful decisions that aligned with long-term goals rather than giving in to short-term temptations. The researchers concluded that gratitude creates a sense of contentment that reduces the urge to act impulsively or unethically in pursuit of immediate rewards .
This is where gratitude’s power in decision-making becomes clear. When we’re grateful, we’re less likely to make decisions based on fear, greed, or external pressures. We’re grounded in a sense of satisfaction and contentment, which gives us the mental space to think through the ethical implications of our actions.
Real-World Application: Bitter or Better
In the Bitter or Better course, I worked with individuals who, like myself, had faced moments of moral compromise. Many of us had been driven by external factors—whether it was financial pressure, societal expectations, or personal insecurities—that clouded our judgment. Through reflection, we realized that our focus on these external forces had caused us to overlook the importance of gratitude.
By developing a daily practice of gratitude, I began to see the world differently. Instead of feeling trapped by circumstances, I could appreciate the moments of growth, learning, and connection. This shift not only made me happier, but it also made me more aware of my choices and their ethical implications. Gratitude grounded me, making it easier to act with integrity even in difficult situations.
The Science of Gratitude and Awareness
The integration of Gratitude and Awareness is a key principle of HOGA—Honesty, Openness, Gratitude, and Awareness—which I developed as a way to navigate life with a healthier mindset. When paired together, gratitude and awareness enhance our ability to make ethical decisions by ensuring we are fully present in the moment.
Research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology supports this. Studies show that practicing gratitude increases our awareness of the people and circumstances that impact our lives, making us more mindful of how our actions affect others . This heightened awareness helps us avoid ethical blind spots and stay true to our values when making decisions.
For instance, if you’re grateful for a colleague’s contribution at work, you’re more likely to treat them with respect and fairness. Gratitude fosters a sense of interconnectedness that strengthens our ethical compass.
HOGA Integration: Gratitude and Awareness in Decision-Making
Gratitude, when paired with Awareness, becomes a dynamic tool for ethical decision-making. Awareness keeps us present and attentive, allowing us to reflect on our motivations before making a choice. Gratitude grounds us in a positive, appreciative mindset, ensuring we’re less likely to make reactive or self-serving decisions.
For example, before making a business decision, a gratitude practice can remind you of the support you’ve received from others, your core values, and the impact your choices will have. This moment of reflection provides the clarity needed to ensure your actions align with your ethics.
In Bitter or Better, this practice was key to helping others shift from a reactive, external focus to a more internal, values-based approach. Instead of making decisions based on fear or pressure, gratitude allowed us to think about the bigger picture and act with integrity.
Conclusion
Gratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it’s an essential tool for ethical decision-making. By grounding ourselves in gratitude and staying aware of the motivations behind our actions, we can ensure that our decisions align with our values and have a positive impact on those around us. In the next post of this series, we’ll dive deeper into how to navigate external pressures using the 10%/80%/10% Rule and how gratitude can help us resist the temptations that lead to unethical behavior.
Stay tuned for more practical tools in this five-part series, and remember, gratitude is not just about what you have—it’s about who you are becoming.
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