Our brain is very efficient. It filters out anything that doesn’t seem important, based on what we’ve paid attention to in the past. It does this to stop us becoming overwhelmed by the shear amount of information continuously presented to us all the time.

We have an internal filter, mainly controlled by the Reticular Activating System (RAS), that decides what gets through to our awareness. The RAS has been programmed throughout our lives, but particularly during childhood and stressful events to keep us from ‘danger’.  Sometimes though as we grow and mature, we realise that some of these programmed ‘dangers’ are not real or appropriate anymore. The RAS has done and continues to do a great job—until we want to change something that no longer serves us. Because then, our brain keeps showing us the world the way it used to be, not the way we’re trying to shape it.

That’s where a daily gratitude practise becomes a surprisingly powerful tool.

Gratitude Helps Re-Train the Brain’s Filter

When you note to yourself what you’re grateful for each day, you’re doing more than being positive. You’re reminding your brain:

“This is important. This is what I want more of.”

That repetition starts to shift the RAS. It begins letting in more signs, signals, and opportunities that match your new focus—whether that’s calm, abundance, healing, or growth.

It’s especially important in the early stages of change or manifestation, when the old mental pathways are still dominant.

It Balances the Brain’s Natural Negativity Bias

The brain evolved to spot danger first—it’s part of our survival programming. This means it tends to notice problems more than progress.

Gratitude helps restore balance by pointing out:

• What is working
• What feels supportive or safe
• What brought joy or peace today

This gentle practice keeps your internal state steady, even when life feels chaotic.

It Shifts Your Emotional State (Which Affects Your Results)

Your emotional state influences:

• What you notice
• How you think
• What decisions you make
• How you respond to life

Gratitude lifts your state into something more open, relaxed, and receptive. From there, you’re more likely to make aligned choices, see possibilities, and feel like the kind of person who’s already on the right path.

It Builds a New Identity Over Time

Gratitude doesn’t just affect your mood—it gradually reshapes how you see yourself.

You move from being someone who is always fixing, chasing, or bracing for problems to someone who:

• Expects support
• Feels naturally lucky
• Believes life can go well
• Notices the small signs of things aligning

That’s not just a mental trick—it becomes a new inner stance that influences every part of your life.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Big or Profound

The power of gratitude lies in its consistency, not its grandeur.

Even on difficult or dull days, you can find something small:

• A moment of calm
• A kind word
• A task completed
• A bit of clarity or insight

These tiny anchors remind your mind: There is still good. Keep noticing.

Final Thought: Why It Really Works

A gratitude list is more than just a feel-good habit. It’s a way to:

• Train your brain to notice what aligns with your intentions
• Shift your emotional state into something supportive
• Anchor a new identity of trust, appreciation, and focus

Whether you write it, speak it, or simply reflect in quiet moments—it works. And it works best not because life is perfect, but because you’re choosing what to see and take notice of.

This also works best if you develop a habit. Before settling for sleep at the end of your day, try reviewing everything that went well. Find everything that you can be grateful for. OK sometimes the day doesn’t go as planned. But that’s OK because there is always something to be grateful for. And it doesn’t matter how small because it is the habit of gratitude that you are developing. Feeling ‘fed-up’? Be grateful that you have feelings. You can be grateful for anything: fresh air to breath, the ability to taste your food, flowers, colours—there is no limit. BUT… the more gratitude you feel, the more you will have to be grateful for. 

It’s a win, win!