Episode 140
140. Research Shows This Simple Weekly Habit Will Skyrocket Your Leadership Impact
What if the secret to becoming a more effective and inspiring leader took just 15 minutes a week?
Leadership can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of stress and negativity. But what if there was a simple, research-backed tool that could increase your influence, improve team engagement, and boost your own leadership satisfaction—all in just a few minutes each week?
You Will Discover:
👉🏼 A scientifically proven practice that enhances leadership effectiveness and team morale.
👉🏼 The right way to use this tool to maximize its impact without feeling like it’s just another task.
👉🏼 Actionable tips to cultivate appreciation, generosity, and empathy as a leader.
Listen now to unlock the power of a simple habit that can transform your leadership and your team’s experience of working with you.
~~~~~
Book a Physician Leadership Peak Performance Discovery Session with Me
https://bit.ly/SPB-POD-Discovery
~~~~~
Explore physician leadership tools and strategies to stop physician burnout, enhance physician wellness and give you the power of personal influence in the C-Suite. All the tools you need to play your role in leading the charge to wellness - at three levels - for you, your teams and your entire organization.
Transcript
In this episode, you'll discover one of the most powerful leadership catalysts—a simple practice that increases your influence, effectiveness, and engagement as a leader. It also boosts your team's enthusiasm and appreciation for your leadership.
The best part? It only takes 15 minutes once a week and is research-proven to make a massive difference in both your experience as a leader and your team's experience of your leadership.
You ready? Here we go.
A Research-Proven Tool for Leadership Growth
Hello again, Dr. Dike Drummond here, coming to you from our home in Seattle, Washington—home of TheHappyMD.com.
Welcome to the next edition of the Stop Physician Burnout Podcast. Thank you for taking the time and energy to join me for this quick but powerful lesson.
Today, I want to introduce you to a research-backed tool that changes everything—but most people don’t actually do it.
I’m talking about a gratitude journal.
The Science of Gratitude and Leadership
You may have heard about the power of gratitude before. In the last episode, we discussed how saying thank you—especially appreciating people for who they are rather than just recognizing what they do—can significantly impact your team's culture and performance.
But the people who naturally express the most appreciation are also the ones who see life through a more positive lens. They focus on the good, on what’s working, and on opportunities rather than obstacles.
And let’s be honest—it’s easy to get sucked into negativity in the overwhelm of daily leadership responsibilities. If you don’t make an effort to pull yourself out, you’ll get stuck there.
This is where a gratitude journal comes in.
The Research on Gratitude Journals
Dr. Robert Emmons from UC Davis has studied gratitude extensively, and his research proves how simple and powerful this practice can be.
His findings show that:
• Writing down three to five things you’re grateful for once a week is the most effective way to reap the full benefits of gratitude.
• Daily gratitude journaling is actually less effective—it can start to feel like a chore, another item on your to-do list, rather than a meaningful exercise.
Think about it—if you had to journal every day, wouldn’t there be times when you thought:
"Ugh… I have to do this again? I just don’t have time."
That’s why the research says once a week is best. It stays fresh and meaningful without becoming a burden.
How to Maximize the Impact of Your Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal isn’t just about writing things down—it’s about how you do it. Here are some key tips to make your gratitude practice truly transformative:
1. Don’t Just Go Through the Motions
This isn’t about checking a box. Approach it with intention—a conscious effort to cultivate gratitude and appreciation.
2. Go Deep and Wide
When you write down something you’re grateful for, don’t just list it—reflect on it:
• How does it make you feel?
• Where do you feel that emotion in your body?
• Can you re-experience that feeling as you write?
Take a deep breath, soak in the gratitude, and let it settle before moving on.
3. Focus on People, Not Just Things
It’s easy to write:
• "I’m grateful for my morning coffee."
• "I’m grateful for good weather."
But research shows that focusing on people makes gratitude more powerful.
Example:
"I’m grateful for Lisa’s help on that project—she stayed late to make sure everything got done. It reminded me how much I can rely on her."
4. Imagine What Life Would Be Like Without It
Once you write something down, picture your life without it.
• What if you didn’t have that person’s support?
• What if that moment of kindness never happened?
This contrast deepens your appreciation.
5. Look for Positive Surprises
Be on the lookout for unexpected moments that made your week better.
• Surprises create the strongest emotional impact.
• Capture those moments to relive the joy.
6. Less is More—Stick to Once a Week
Three things, once a week. That’s all it takes.
Daily journaling isn’t as effective—you’ll start to rush through it. Keep it weekly so it remains meaningful.
7. Think of Gratitude as a Gift
Dr. Emmons suggests thinking of gratitude as a gift—something that you receive and savor.
Gratitude is a blessing. Let yourself feel it fully.
How Gratitude Changes Your Leadership
When you practice gratitude regularly, here’s what happens:
• You become more generous and empathetic.
• You naturally express more appreciation for your team.
• Your leadership becomes more positive, open, and supportive.
• You inspire your team because they see that you genuinely care.
Instead of seeing leadership as a constant challenge, you start seeing the good in your team, in your work, and in yourself.
Your Leadership Assignment
Your challenge: Start a gratitude journal this week.
• Once a week, write down three things you’re grateful for.
• Go deep—reflect on each one.
• Make it about people whenever possible.
That’s it. Three things, once a week.
Watch how it transforms your mindset, your leadership, and your relationships.
Final Thoughts
Gratitude is one of the simplest leadership tools—and one of the most powerful.
By committing to this small habit, you’ll rewire your brain to see the positive, boost your team’s engagement, and make leadership feel lighter and more fulfilling.
Thank you for your time and attention—I know it’s your most precious resource.
Until next time, keep breathing and have a great rest of your day.
