November 17, 2025 | Tagged Skills,
Why is gratitude so important for basketball and life success?
NBC Basketball was built on the premise that gratitude for life and others can dramatically improve our overall wellbeing on and off the court. In the golden age of research, there now is clear evidence on the power and transformation of a gratitude mindset.
The Science of Gratitude
Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. Gratitude counteracts against the four most toxic emotions: envy, bitterness, regret, and depression.
Daily gratitude diary kept for two weeks results: 28% reduction in perceived stress, and improved sleep for insomnia 76%.
Writing a letter of gratitude reduced feelings of hopelessness in 88% of depressed patients and increased optimism 94%.
Those with higher gratitude have higher reasoning, problem solving and more innovative ideas.
Listening to complaining or complaining for 30 minutes reduces the part of the brain connected to intellect.
Gratitude boosts serotonin and actuates the production of dopamine. It also boosts the release of oxytocin which is important for bonding and relational connection.
Ways to elevate gratitude: daily count your blessings, keep a gratitude journal and write 5-25 things you are thankful for, write a gratitude letter.
Gottman University of Washington: Experts at relationships give 8-10 positives to every one negative or neutral exchange (Exchange=words, touch, eye contact, tonality, body language). Mediocres at relationships speak or exhibit 6-8 negative or neutral to every one positive exchange. Disasters at relationships have 8-10 negatives to every one positive exchange.
Basketball + Gratitude
One of the greatest benefits to basketball when athletes and coaches choose gratitude as a mindset is the ability to problem solve and think outside the box. The science of gratitude is clear. Those with higher gratitude have much higher reasoning and problem solving capacity.
Gratitude is powerful for immune systems. A grateful team is a healthy team.
Research out of the University of Washington have proven methodology to show the level of gratitude healthy relationships need. A healthy team has high gratitude and an unhealthy team has high bitterness, dislike, apathy, gossip and complaint. The same measurements apply between parents and coaches, coaches and players and also the internal narratives in each athlete's mind. Higher complaint and frustration equals more distance and problems as a team.
If you want a strong basketball season, you need a strong gratitude mindset.
Action Steps:
Become a student of gratitude. Research gratitude, take up a few daily practices, test the value of this amazing tool and discover for yourself the healing qualities of gratitude. Some of the best disciplines to get into a stronger gratitude mindset is a daily gratitude journal every morning and the decision to eliminate complaining for one week. Discover the freedom of thought as you live with a gratitude mindset.
About NBC Basketball Camps
Since 1971, NBC Basketball has been on the cutting edge of sports psychology, skill work and the power of motivation. For more information about these life changing programs visit www.nbccamps.com.