From Survival Mode to Gratitude-Fueled Growth

This morning, I sat in my warm, dry home with a cup of coffee in hand, getting ready for pickleball and I couldn’t help but think about how gratitude in business truly begins long before the profits or the milestones. It starts in those quiet moments when you realize how far you’ve come and remember the days you just hoped the car would start or the bills would get paid on time.

Some moms across the world are in that exact season right now, simply praying their babies stay safe tonight. Others are trying to stretch a few dollars until payday or praying they’ll make it to daycare pickup before the late fees hit.

And I remember that version of me so vividly.

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How My Business Journey Started with Gratitude

When I started my first business, I wasn’t chasing a dream car or some glamorous “freedom lifestyle.” I just wanted a little control. A little peace. A little breathing room.

After being laid off, my husband (who meant well, bless him) said, “You seem to like that thing you’ve been doing on the side. What if we got serious?”

I had a few thoughts in that moment, most involving a future true-crime headline: “Woman kills husband. Film at 11.”

But deep down, I knew he wasn’t wrong. The more income we created, the more choices we had. The fewer panic attacks about bills, broken cars, or forgotten permission slips.

That kind of stress, the good kind that builds character, taught me who I wanted to become.

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Why Gratitude Is the Hidden Growth Strategy No One Talks About

Here’s what I’ve learned after more than a decade in business: the most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who never face challenges. They’re the ones who never forget why they started.

Gratitude in business isn’t just a feel-good exercise, it’s a growth strategy. When you focus on what you already have, rather than obsessing over what you lack, everything shifts. Your creativity expands. Your confidence strengthens. You start leading from calm intention instead of frantic survival.

And listen, Linda… this isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine when it’s clearly not. It’s about grounding yourself in truth and perspective. Gratitude reminds you that even in the chaos, you’re still moving forward.

If you’re looking for more ways to build emotional resilience, check out my post on rewiring your mind for success It’s a powerful companion to what gratitude can do for your business growth.

(External reference: Harvard Business Review explains how gratitude and positive intelligence directly impact leadership performance.)

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Gratitude Doesn’t Mean Settling, It Means Strength

It’s easy to confuse gratitude with complacency. But here’s the truth: you can be deeply grateful and wildly ambitious at the same time.

In fact, those two things feed each other. When you operate from gratitude, your ambition becomes clean. You’re not chasing success to prove something—you’re building from a place of joy and service.

Think back to that earlier version of yourself. The one who prayed for exactly what you have today. Remembering her keeps you humble. Honoring her keeps you kind. And learning from her keeps you hungry in the right ways.

When gratitude fuels your goals, your growth becomes sustainable. You stop burning out trying to keep up and start building a business that actually feels good to run.

If you’re in a season of rebuilding or pivoting, you’ll love my article on how to create confidence in your business again. It dives into practical strategies for getting your motivation back without pressure or guilt.

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The Real Secret to Sustainable Business Growth

If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like everyone else is miles ahead, pause for a second. Look back—not to judge yourself, but to celebrate your progress.

Remember when this version of your life was the thing you prayed for?
The home that’s now your safe haven. The clients who trust you. The car that actually starts on cold mornings.

You’ve come farther than you realize. Gratitude in entrepreneurship helps you see that. It’s not about ignoring your goals—it’s about appreciating the ground you’ve already covered.

And here’s the best part: when you lead with gratitude, you naturally attract more of what you want. Your energy changes, your conversations shift, and your decisions align with what truly matters. That’s how confident, sustainable business growth begins.

(External reference: According to Forbes, gratitude-driven entrepreneurs experience higher productivity and greater fulfillment.)

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Coming Up Next: The Surprising Lesson Pickleball Taught Me About Business Blind Spots

Tomorrow’s blog dives into something fun—and surprisingly revealing. While playing pickleball, I had one of those “aha” moments that completely changed how I see business leadership and blind spots.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re hustling hard but missing something important, this one’s for you.

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter so you don’t miss it. That’s where I share the behind-the-scenes lessons that turn ordinary entrepreneurs into confident CEOs.

👉 Join my list here—this is where the good stuff lives.

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Final Thoughts

Today, I’m grateful. Grateful for the journey, the messy middle, and the mommas who are still in that “figuring it out” season.

I promise, you’re not behind. Try to focus on the growth, the learning… the becoming because at the end of the day, that matters the most.

And trust me… that’s exactly where the magic happens.

FAQs About Business Blind Spots and Coaching

What are business blind spots for entrepreneurs?

Business blind spots are areas in your business that you can’t clearly see, usually because you’re too close to the work. They often show up as missed opportunities, repeated struggles, or habits that keep you playing small. That’s why coaching is so powerful: it helps you spot what’s holding you back before it costs you time or momentum.

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How can a coach help identify business blind spots?

A great coach brings an outside perspective. They’ll ask better questions, challenge your patterns, and help you see where your mindset or strategy is keeping you stuck. Most of the time, the problem isn’t effort, it’s awareness. Coaching turns those “I didn’t even realize I was doing that” moments into confident growth.

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What’s the biggest blind spot most women entrepreneurs face?

Confidence and clarity. So many talented women second-guess their offers, underprice their services, or avoid visibility because of fear or perfectionism. Once you see those patterns and shift them, your sales, systems, and leadership start aligning fast.

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How do I know if I have a business blind spot?

If you keep hitting the same wall, like inconsistent income, team drama, or marketing overwhelm , you probably have a blind spot hiding in plain sight. The key is to look for patterns instead of problems. A coach can help you find the root cause so you stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward with focus.

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What’s the connection between coaching and long-term business growth?

Coaching isn’t about fixing what’s broken, it’s about refining what’s working. The right coach helps you see yourself as a CEO, not just a doer. You gain clarity, accountability, and strategy that turn blind spots into breakthroughs and burnout into sustainable business growth.

Written by Genevieve Skory Sales Confidence Coach & Business Growth Strategist for Female Entrepreneurs Genevieve helps women in business grow with confidence, strategy, and authenticity, without pushy sales tactics.

Read more growth-minded insights at gskory.com/blog.

© 2025 Genevieve Skory