If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your work, doubting your path, or feeling like you’re grinding without fulfillment… this is for you.

Burnout Was My Wake-Up Call

A year ago, I was burnt out. I remember thinking, Does cold calling even work anymore? Sales felt like an endless effort-based grind. Yes, the money was good, but I was starting over at zero every month and wondering, Is this what my life has turned into?

To be honest, I questioned whether I’d taken a step backward by going back into business development—despite being in some of the highest-paying roles in the industry.

But then I embraced something I used to overlook: gratitude.

The Shift That Changed Everything

When I zoomed out, I realized something powerful: I might be one of the highest-paid BDRs in the industry. Definitely top ten. That perspective changed how I saw everything.

I thought back to the years when I felt the most abundance and joy—and noticed a pattern. Those were the years I wrote tons of gratitude cards. I was happiest when I was most present to what I had.

Instead of focusing on what was missing, I began to appreciate that I get paid to cause transformation—to attend amazing retreats, connect with high-performing sellers, and live a life I dreamed about nine years ago when I first invested in coaching and personal development.

“Yeah, But You Don’t Understand My Situation…”

I hear this a lot. I talk to reps every day who are frustrated—about bad managers, lack of marketing support, pipeline issues. And listen, I’m not saying your experience isn’t valid. We’ve all been there.

But I’ve also learned that the times when I felt too busy for gratitude—when I had a mountain of leads to call or deadlines to hit—were exactly when I needed it most.

What My Practice Looks Like Now

Every morning, I spend 15 minutes journaling. I write whatever’s on my mind, then I run through Tony Robbins’ 7 daily questions: What am I grateful for? How did I serve? What’s going well in my life?

It gives me perspective. Because lifestyle creep is real. When I first graduated college, I thought, I’ll be happy when I make seven figures. Then $200k became normal. And I stopped noticing how blessed I already was.

Survival vs Presence

In survival mode, your brain looks for what’s wrong. I’ve worked with coaches who’ve helped me see how much of my stress comes from a lack of presence. I’ve reframed business development from being “beneath me” to something I’m mastering—and I now see myself as one of the best BDRs in the world.

It’s not ego. It’s ownership.

Yes, humility matters—but too much humility, especially for many of us raised in Asian cultures, can turn into self-sabotage.

Permission to Slow Down

I used to feel guilty for practicing gratitude. Who am I to meditate or journal when I have a quota to hit? But I’ve learned that when I slow down, I bring calm into my calls. I connect more deeply. I don’t rush conversations. I meet people where they are.

Some days, that also looks like taking a 45-minute call with my therapist. Other days, it’s napping with my wife instead of forcing more “productivity.” I’ve started to truly receive—God’s blessings, my community, the support of a manager who trusts me, a job that gives me autonomy.

What About the Tough Days?

Yes, there are days I miss my number. But now, instead of burning out, I slow down and reflect. Is this a planning issue? Am I making this about me instead of serving my clients? Gratitude helps me extract lessons without collapsing into shame.

Just yesterday, a client at our monthly UYSP meetup in NYC shared how drastically her life has transformed. She’s overflowing with gratitude now, but a year ago, she was in a completely different place. Her story reminded me—it’s not about me. My fears, my stress—they’re valid, but they’re not the whole story.

Zooming out helps me see the bigger picture. God’s plan is always greater than what I can force with my own effort.

Final Reflection

I’m blessed. I get to work with an amazing team, be part of a thriving church, and support people I care deeply about.

And here’s my truth:

Gratitude is the most impactful practice you can take with you—and no one can take it from you.

It doesn’t ignore problems. It simply reminds you that you’re not a victim. That your life is full, right now.

My Gratitude Today

My sisters. My mom. My beautiful wife. My close friends. Our pastor. The elders and deacons. My clients. My community. The list is endless.

And I’ll write about presence next. Because that’s the next evolution.

What About You?

How have you struggled with being grateful—especially as lifestyle creep sets in and perfectionism pushes you to always chase “more”?

This year, if you only master one habit—let it be gratitude.

Not because it’s trendy, but because it transforms.

Not overnight, but over time.

And it might just be the single most impactful practice you ever take on.