The Persistence Payoff, featuring Nancy Davis Kho

Before you do this, I recommend reading Nancy’s book, The Thank-You Project. It’s the kind of book you can dip into almost anywhere, and she has examples of her own letters, things to think about before you set out to write your letter, and examples of the kinds of people in your life you might write letters to. The whole thing is so moving, and doing this exercise does something else—it helps remind you of what you’re grateful for and why, and it just cultivates general gratitude, which is amazing and good for the soul and the heart and the body and the brain. The letter doesn’t have to be long, but for the purposes of what we’re doing on Write-Minded, maybe consider narrowing down the parameters to write to someone who’s supported you on your writing journey, or even consider writing a thank-you letter to your own book. These exercises are incredible for what they reveal—things you know but likely haven’t spoken aloud. Doing this kind of writing also locks in meaning, and meaning drives purpose, and purpose drives productivity. So do yourself this small favor, and brighten someone else’s life too. It’s a double-whammy of goodness.