The Five-Minute Gratitude Habit That Shapes Every Leadership Decision I Make

Leadership demands clarity. Whether I was preparing for a meeting with a university president, evaluating a complex fundraising strategy, or addressing a challenge inside a major athletics program, I learned that the best decisions come from a centered place—not a reactive one.

Years ago, in the middle of a demanding season, I developed a simple five-minute gratitude habit. It wasn’t complicated. I would sit quietly, take a breath, and mentally list the things I was grateful for: my wife Celina, our five children, a mentor who believed in me, or even a moment where our team overcame adversity.

That small daily pause became a leadership anchor.

Gratitude shifts your perspective. It reminds you what matters. It turns frustration into patience and uncertainty into confidence. The world of higher education and athletics can be high-pressure, unpredictable, and emotionally charged. A quiet moment of gratitude helps me respond instead of react—something my teams have felt and appreciated over the years.

The gratitude habit didn’t just make me a calmer leader. It made me a better father, husband, and colleague. And it taught me that leadership clarity begins long before you walk into the room. To learn more about my background or read my other articles, click one of these links: https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/articles https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/about