A few days ago, I was stuck in the car line dropping my 8-year-old daughter off at school. We weren’t moving, and I was already running late. At that moment, I remembered a question that has become a powerful tool for me. Where’s the gift?
The answer came quickly: I had a few more minutes with Serena. So we turned up the stereo (Jason Derulo, in case you’re wondering) and had a little jam session.
What We Know: Attention Is Power
Look for misery, and you’ll find misery.
Look for pain, and you’ll find pain.
But if you look for something to be grateful for…you’ll find that too.
We can’t control all the chaos or curveballs life throws at us. But we can control our attention. What we focus on becomes our primary experience.
What I’ve Learned: It Takes Practice
Earlier this year, I had the honor of following Michael J. Fox on stage. Someone asked him about his mindset after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He didn’t miss a beat:
“You have to find the funny in everything.”
Even when it’s hidden. Even when life feels unfair.
Like any mindset, finding the gift takes practice. It’s like playing “Where’s Waldo?”. The harder the moment, the more hidden the gift may be. But the more often you look, the better you get at spotting it.
You also become someone others want to be around, because your energy reminds them there’s almost always something to celebrate.
My take: we can do both. Use the gains of AI to lift your work and your life.
What You Can Try: Bring These 3 Words Into 2026
This season is filled with gift-giving. What if we brought that same spirit into the new year?
Start by asking: Where’s the gift?
Maybe even multiple times a day.
When you’re stuck in traffic.
When plans fall apart.
When you’re in the middle of a difficult conversation.
And if the answer doesn’t come right away, stay open. It will.
Wishing you a season full of meaning,