Where Gratitude Gets You

Emotion's Role

Emotions are often perceived as obstacles to rational decision-making, but they can be powerful motivators for achieving long-term goals. David DeSteno explains that emotions are not just reactions to past events but tools for navigating the future. He shares the story of Lisa Williams, a student who used pride as motivation to wake up early for rowing practice, illustrating how emotions can drive us to do difficult things 1. DeSteno also discusses how gratitude can lead to just actions, as people feeling grateful are more likely to intervene in unfair situations, demonstrating that gratitude doesn't make one a "sucker" but rather encourages virtuous behavior 2.

Emotions are a huge source of motivation.

--- David DeSteno

Shankar Vedantam adds that recognizing unsung heroes can enhance our awareness of gratitude's pervasive influence.

   

Emotions & Stress

The relationship between emotions and stress is complex, with emotions playing a crucial role in managing stress and enhancing well-being. David DeSteno argues that relying solely on willpower for self-control can be stressful and detrimental to health. He cites studies showing that while willpower can help achieve goals, it often leads to increased stress and health issues 3. In contrast, gratitude can serve as a buffer against stress. Research by Robert Emmons and Wendy Mendez demonstrates that regular gratitude practice improves well-being and reduces stress symptoms, acting like a "booster shot" for stress reduction 4.

Practicing gratitude is enhancing people's well-being and kind of reducing the stress.

--- David DeSteno

Shankar Vedantam notes that gratitude makes challenging tasks feel less burdensome, highlighting its effortless impact on stress management.