Introduction: The Power of Expressing Gratitude

Every November, as Thanksgiving nears, we’re nudged to slow down and count our blessings. But what if gratitude wasn’t just something we dust off once a year? What if this season could spark something deeper—a habit that strengthens connections and helps us grow, both personally and professionally, all year long? That’s the heart of the Thanksgiving Challenge: a conscious effort to thank those mentors who’ve guided, challenged, and inspired us along the way.

Here’s the truth: gratitude isn’t just good manners. It’s transformative. A genuine “thank you” can reignite relationships, open unexpected doors, and flip our mindset from scarcity to abundance. Especially in the high-speed world of work, pausing to recognize mentors—the people who’ve challenged us, championed us, or simply believed in us—makes a real impact for both sides. According to statistics on gratitude and workplace satisfaction, appreciation boosts morale and engagement at work. Even more, recent research demonstrates that expressing gratitude in the workplace increases feelings of belonging and motivation among both senders and recipients.

Here’s the truth: gratitude isn’t just good manners. It’s transformative. A genuine “thank you” can reignite relationships, open unexpected doors, and flip our mindset from scarcity to abundance.

So, here’s the challenge: take a moment this season to reach out to someone who’s made a difference in your journey. It doesn’t need to be some grand gesture—even a brief message can strengthen your network, boost your confidence, and spark new purpose.

The Role of Mentors in Shaping Our Journey

Think back on the turning points in your career or life. Odds are, there’s at least one mentor or colleague quietly standing in the background of each big leap. Sometimes their support is loud and clear—a boss who championed your idea, a teammate who helped you find your footing during tough times, or a peer who showed you a better way forward. Other times, their influence is subtle: an offhand comment that lingers for years, or the steady example they set from afar.

And let’s be honest: often we only realize the true value of these interactions in hindsight. Years later, I still find myself quoting an old mentor’s advice or relying on a collaborator’s clever solution when facing a fresh challenge. Those “aha” moments remind me—and maybe you too—that our journeys aren’t solo acts. They’re collective stories shaped by people generous enough to share what they know. A mentor’s influence can shape careers and lives in profound ways. Expressing gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s a meaningful acknowledgment of how deeply someone has impacted our growth.

Expressing gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s a meaningful acknowledgment of how deeply someone has impacted our growth.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of how small gestures can build stronger relationships over time, consider reading about how small, intentional steps lead to big breakthroughs—whether in quantum computing or personal goals.

Why We Forget to Say ‘Thank You’

If gratitude is so powerful, why do so many of us hesitate to express it? The reasons are both universal and deeply personal.

Professional life moves fast. We get caught up in deadlines and daily fires, and suddenly months—or years—have slipped by without reaching out to someone who made a difference. There’s also that awkward feeling: What if my note sounds forced? What if they don’t even remember me? We worry that the window has closed or that our words will fall flat.

But here’s something I wish I’d learned sooner: these barriers are worth pushing through. In my experience, the regret of leaving gratitude unspoken far outweighs any momentary awkwardness. It’s easy to underestimate how much even a short note can mean—especially if someone wonders whether their efforts were remembered at all.

Psychologists call it the Zeigarnik Effect—we tend to remember unfinished business more than what we’ve completed. That explains why unspoken gratitude lingers in our minds like an unchecked box.

There’s also culture to consider. In many workplaces—especially fast-paced environments—gratitude can feel like an afterthought rather than a core value. We might assume people know we appreciate them, or that professional relationships are too transactional for heartfelt thanks. But that mindset sells us all short. Gratitude is actually the catalyst for deeper trust, collaboration, and even creativity within teams.

To explore how self-awareness can enhance your workplace interactions, try breaking out of your bubble to discover greater empathy and connection.

How a Simple Message Can Make a Lasting Impact

It’s tempting to overthink this—but it doesn’t take much to make someone’s day (or even change the trajectory of their career… or yours). A well-timed thank-you can revive old connections, spark new collaborations, and remind both of you of your shared values.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some templates you can adapt:

• For a specific memory:

Hi [Name],

I was reminiscing about the time we tackled [specific project] at [Company Name]. The way you handled [specific situation] really left an impression on me. I still use that approach today! Just wanted to say thanks for that.

• For memorable advice:

Hello [Name],

You crossed my mind recently when I was preparing for a presentation. I remembered how you always said, “[Insert their advice].” That wisdom has been invaluable over the years. Wishing you all the best!

• For a small but lasting impact:

Hey [Name],

Just a quick note to let you know that the [specific skill or tip] you taught me is something I still rely on today. Thanks for making such a lasting impact!

Your message doesn’t need to be long or poetic—it just needs to be genuine. Whether it’s by email, LinkedIn message, or even handwritten note, what matters most is your intention.

One tool that helps me find the right words is the ‘SBI’ model (Situation-Behavior-Impact): briefly describe the situation, what your mentor did, and how it impacted you personally or professionally. Keeping your message specific makes it feel personal—and heartfelt.

Describing how your mentorship over the past year has been transformative for my career is one way to acknowledge the lasting impact mentors have. Your willingness to share your experience, provide candid feedback, and challenge me to reach new heights has profoundly impacted my professional development. I’m deeply grateful for your investment in my growth and for being a constant source of inspiration.

If you’re seeking ways to bring more mindfulness and presence into these moments of appreciation—especially during busy seasons—try exploring simple ways to pause and savor meaningful connections during the holidays.

Taking the Thanksgiving Challenge: Your Move

So here’s my invitation this Thanksgiving season: take action. Pick just one person—a mentor, colleague, or collaborator—who’s made a real difference in your story.

• Be specific: Mention what they did and how it impacted you; details turn generic thanks into moments they’ll remember.
• Personalize your message: Reflect on shared experiences or inside jokes; authenticity builds real connection.
• Don’t worry about perfection: The act of reaching out matters more than flawless prose.
• Consider timing: Even if years have passed since you last spoke, it’s never too late; gratitude has no expiration date.
• Share your story: If it feels right, let them know how their influence continues to shape your work or life today.

If building consistency around gratitude feels challenging—or if daily demands sometimes derail your intentions—you may appreciate strategies for resetting after a missed day and developing sustainable habits without guilt.

If you’re inspired by this challenge, share your experience with your network—whether through a post, comment, or quiet conversation with someone else on your team. You may encourage others to do the same and help build appreciation within your organization or industry.

Conclusion: Building a Culture of Gratitude

Expressing thanks isn’t just something we do once a year; it’s at the heart of lasting relationships and thriving teams. When we make gratitude part of our regular practice—not just during Thanksgiving—we create workplaces where people feel valued, motivated, and seen.

Imagine if appreciation flowed freely in every meeting or email thread: fewer silos, more collaboration, greater purpose for everyone involved. Each message of thanks is one more building block—a small but mighty step toward cultures where mentorship and support are celebrated all year round.

Many organizations are already weaving ‘gratitude rituals’ into their daily routines—like recognition moments during meetings or dedicated shout-out channels online. Atlassian’s ‘Thank You’ cards are one example; they’ve been shown to boost morale and foster deeper team cohesion.

The research is clear: Gratitude is good for you. It improves wellbeing, reduces stress, builds resilience—and yes, it can even make us more patient (something we could all use right now). And here’s the bonus: when we practice gratitude for others, we become better colleagues ourselves.

For those ready to turn appreciation into ongoing growth—for themselves and their teams—learning about the transformative power of gratitude through simple actions can offer practical inspiration.

As you reflect this season, consider not just what you’re grateful for—but who. Take the Thanksgiving Challenge and let your mentors know they made a difference. The results may surprise you—and might inspire others around you to do the same.

So as you close this article, remember: Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. By reaching out to those who’ve shaped your path, you honor their influence and invite more connection into your own life. Let this season be your starting point—a chance to spark conversations that echo far beyond Thanksgiving.