I’ve talked a lot about creating a gratitude habit, and different ways to express gratitude.

Once you’ve established a daily gratitude habit, be sure to fuel the habit.

How do you do that?

Well, we’re going to have bad days or bad situations from time to time.

That’s unavoidable.

So how can you use gratitude to help out during the times where you’re feeling a little down?

My friend Yasmin Nguyen likes the concept of a kick-ass jar as a way to fuel some positive into a bad day.

Have you ever struggled with self-doubt or just felt stuck in a rut?

Of course you have.

We all have.

Life is such a roller coaster ride.

One day you’re on top, with everything going your way.

And the very next day, it can all come crashing down.

Anxiety about life sets in and you’re riddled with worry, depression, and self-doubt.

It’s awful.

That’s where the kick-ass jar comes in, which is really just an empty jar with a fancy name.

Take a little tablet of sticky notes and carry it with you every day.

When something positive happens, write it down, and put it in the kick-ass jar.

It can be anything— having an inspiring conversation, feeling inspired by the scenery on a hike, finishing a project at work or receiving or writing a thank you card.

Record every win from your day, no matter how big or small.

Then when you’re having a rough day—and you WILL have rough days—take out a few of the sticky notes from the kick-ass jar and read them.

This will provide an instant boost in confidence and self-esteem.

In no time, you’ll feel your kick-ass attitude returning.

What about those situations that pop up each day, such as being stuck in traffic?

Believe me, there is a ton of traffic in Denver, so even I need a strategy for this. ;)

My friend Kevin Clayson talks about flipping the gratitude switch - finding the awesome in bad situations.

How do you find the awesome in being stuck in traffic on your way to work?

Well at least you have a car.

Some people don’t, and have to rely on the bus or walking everywhere.

Be grateful that you have a car.

At least you have a job to go to.

Some people don’t have a job and struggle to put food on their plate.

Or are homeless.

Be grateful that you have a job and enough money to live.

When you put things in perspective, it’s easy to find the gratitude in bad situations, right?

Use these strategies to fuel your gratitude habit and you’ll be living with a grateful heart all day long!