There was a time when my world was consumed by darkness. It was like standing at the mouth of an abyss, staring at the never-ending vacancy. I was in a state of mind where entitlement ruled my mental landscape, I was constantly finding faults in my situation, contemplating about things I ‘should' have had. As founder and personal development guide for Success Insider, I've seen that entitlement is a road many of us unwillingly take.

One bitter day, when the winter wind gnawed at my mood and entitlement gnawed at my spirit, I had an epiphany. The thought struck me like a thunderbolt, illuminating the darkness and thawing the chill. It was a simple thought but, as I would soon realize, profoundly powerful. That thought was gratitude.

Why was I focusing on what I didn't have, instead of acknowledging all the things I did possess? As if the universe had heard my silent plea, everything seemed to change when my focus shifted from entitlement to gratitude. Blessings seemed to flow in my direction, abundantly, not just monetarily but in the perspectives and experiences it afforded me.

Isn't it fascinating how a simple alteration in our viewpoint can dramatically change our life? Here's the nitty-gritty of it all – contorting and writhing in a state of ‘I deserve' extracts joy from life, leaving us in a constant state of discontent. It's a rat race where the finish line keeps extending.

Guess what? Switching to gratitude, however, opens floodgates to blessings galore. When we allow ourselves to feel the ripples of gratitude, we find that we already have so much. Instead of feeling frustration for the promotion you didn't get, be thankful for the job you have. Instead of counting the wrongs, count the rights in life.

Indeed, it's not always rainbows and sunshine. But let's take a moment here – an honest, reflective moment. isn't there always something to be grateful for, a priceless silver lining to the dark clouds?

And while gratitude helps us appreciate the present, it is also a potent tool for catapulting us towards our dreams. Remember Lionel Messi's transformative journey from a growth hormone deficiency prognosis to becoming one of the world's most valuable footballers? He once remarked, “I just thank God for everything, the bad and the good”. His gratitude for both challenges and triumphs powered him to unimaginable heights.

Just imagine unlocking similar potential within yourself! The key to this transformation lies with you and in every seemingly mundane moment of your day. Begin with thanking your alarm clock for working perfectly; it is, after all, helping you stick to your routine. Thank your daily commute for giving you a chance to observe life around you, for the moments of solitude and introspection.

Remember when you're brewing your morning coffee or tea to take a moment, close your eyes, and whisper “thank you” to the universe. This simple act can set off a chain reaction resulting in an unexpected inflow of blessings. It's as if the cosmos has been patiently waiting for you to recognize, acknowledge, and show gratitude for its bounties. The moment you do, you set the universal laws in motion.

In my LMA course, I try to impart this beautiful paradigm shift in perception. It's where we switch mental gears from ‘I should have more' to ‘I have so much to be grateful for'. It's all about becoming aware of the simple blessings we usually gloss over.

The journey from entitlement to gratitude may take time, but is well worth it. Remember the law of sowing and reaping? Well, gratitude is the seed and your blessings the fertile soil. Sow this seed, nourish it with understanding and self-compassion. With patience and time, you will reap a wellspring of blessings, helping you to grow and bloom into the best version of yourself.

So, why wait? Let's start our journey towards gratitude right now. Look around, breathe in the little blessings, and let gratitude fill your heart. Keep in mind – life is less about what we own and more about how we feel. So, feel blessed, my friends, for such a feeling is priceless, and it has the power to transform our lives in ways we can't even begin to fathom.