Gratitude, Growth, and the Business of Giving Thanks
November always feels like a month for slowing down. The days get shorter, the evenings cooler, and suddenly we’re surrounded by reminders to “give thanks.” But gratitude, I’ve learned, isn’t just for the Thanksgiving table—it’s also one of the most powerful tools you can bring into your business and personal life.
At 60, I’ve seen plenty of seasons come and go, both in family life and entrepreneurship. And if there’s one thing that helps us through the tough patches, it’s learning to pause and appreciate what we do have, even when what we don’t have is louder in the moment. Gratitude is like a magnifying glass: it makes the good things bigger, clearer, and harder to ignore.
Here are some ways to bring the spirit of November—gratitude and generosity—into your business, your work, and your home.
1. Gratitude is a Strategy, Not Just a Feeling
Saying “thank you” isn’t just good manners—it’s good business. When customers, clients, or team members feel appreciated, they’re far more likely to stick with you.
Tip for business owners: Send a personal note to your top clients this month. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just handwritten or even a thoughtful email. The message matters more than the medium.
Tip for working moms: Make a “thank you” list at work and at home. Who has made your life easier lately? A coworker who covered a shift? A friend who picked up your kids? Expressing thanks lightens your load and strengthens relationships.
2. Harvest What You’ve Sown
Farmers know November is harvest time, a chance to see what the year’s work has produced. In business, we don’t always stop to measure our harvest—we’re already racing into the next planting season.
Tip for business owners: Review your year-to-date numbers. Where have you seen growth? Which products or services are thriving? Use November to gather insights before making December plans.
Tip for moms: Take stock of your family’s “wins.” Did the kids try a new activity? Did you manage a tricky work project? Write them down—it’s easier to be grateful when you see the fruits of your labor.
3. Simplify the Feast
Thanksgiving tables can get overloaded: 12 side dishes, 4 pies, and at least 2 people who insist on bringing “their” stuffing recipe. It’s a little like business—we overcomplicate things because we want to please everyone. But sometimes simpler really is better.
Tip for business owners: Look at your services or offerings. Is there something you can simplify or streamline? Clients appreciate clarity, and too many options can overwhelm.
Tip for moms: Apply this at home, too. Don’t feel pressure to do it all this holiday season. Choose what matters most—maybe it’s baking cookies, maybe it’s skipping the perfect table décor.
4. Share the Table
The best part of Thanksgiving isn’t the turkey—it’s the people around the table. Business works the same way: community matters. Collaboration, referrals, mentorship—these are the “side dishes” that make the main course so much richer.
Tip for business owners: Reach out to another local entrepreneur and ask how you can support each other. Cross-promotions or shared events can bring surprising opportunities.
Tip for moms: Lean on your community. Coordinate carpooling, share freezer meals, or trade after-school help. Asking for help doesn’t make you less capable—it makes the table bigger.
5. Give Back What You Can
Gratitude naturally spills into generosity. We may not all have extra money to donate, but we do have time, talents, or even words of encouragement to share.
Tip for business owners: Consider a simple give-back initiative. It could be a percentage of sales to a cause, donating unused supplies, or volunteering as a team. It builds goodwill and lifts morale.
Tip for moms: Involve your kids in giving back. Donate toys they’ve outgrown, bake cookies for a neighbor, or write notes to a local nursing home. Gratitude grows when we practice it together.
A Final Thought
November reminds us that life isn’t perfect—but it is precious. Gratitude doesn’t erase the challenges, but it gives us strength to face them with a little more peace. Whether you’re balancing spreadsheets, stirring gravy, or juggling kids and deadlines, remember: the harvest may not look exactly as you expected, but it’s yours—and that alone is worth giving thanks for.
So this month, pause. Say the words. Simplify the feast. And above all, share your table.