Minute With Mallon: The Thanksgiving Challenge That Changes Everything! 🍗

Welcome to Minute with Mallon!

Something I Taught:

A few years ago, I challenged a group of leaders I was coaching to make a “gratitude list” — but with a twist. Instead of writing what they were thankful for, they had to list who they were thankful to.

It’s easy to thank God for blessings. It’s even better to thank the people He used to deliver them.

So I told them, “Don’t just list names — tell them.” Text them. Call them. Leave a voicemail that starts with, “Hey, I was just thinking about how grateful I am for you.”

That simple act changes two hearts every time: theirs and yours.

And yes, I practiced what I preached. I sent a message to my wife Sandy, told her she’s the greatest gift God ever wrapped in human form. I also texted my three sons — Joe, Clint, and Brock — and reminded them that I’m proud of the men they’ve become. (I didn’t say which one is my favorite, because I enjoy living.)

I thanked my “bonus family” — Callie, Tyler, Corey, and Ali and Jezaret — for the joy they add to my life, and of course I thanked my grandkids — Baleigh, Kenley, Baker, Bennett, and little Ileigh — for teaching me that you can’t have a bad day when a little one hugs your leg and says, “I love you, Pappy!”

I took time to tell my wonderful assistant Rebecca how grateful I am for the over 8 years of incredible service she has provided me.  And for the fact that she is certainly one of the most patient people on the planet!  🤣 I couldn't do what I get to do without her!!

And lastly I reached out to some of my closest friends — men who are more than brothers to me. These are what I call Treasured Friends - the kind of friends who make me better just by being around them. We’ve shared adventures, growth, and plenty of laughs along the way. You know who you are… Thank You! 

When you start naming people out loud, gratitude multiplies. It shifts your heart from “busy” to “blessed.”

Something I Learned:

The older I get, the more I realize gratitude isn’t a season — it’s a discipline.

It’s like fitness: you don’t do it once a year and expect results. You build it through daily reps.

Every morning, before I dive into work or exercise, I pause for a few minutes to thank God for something specific — my health, the clients who’ve become close friends, the men I get to lead, the beauty of nature right outside my window.

It’s amazing how often I start the day thinking I need “more,” but end it realizing I already have more than enough. 

Something to Ponder:

So what if this Thanksgiving, instead of just counting your blessings, you told them?

Who in your life needs to hear, “You matter to me”?

Maybe it’s your spouse. Maybe it’s your kids. Maybe it’s a client or a friend. Or maybe — just maybe — it’s God Himself, waiting for you to pause and say, “Thank You.”

Because gratitude, when spoken, has power.

It deepens relationships. It lifts your spirit.

And it reminds you that everything good in your life is a gift.

Something I Saw:

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends. 🦃

May your turkey be juicy, your pie be plentiful, and may you never run out of people to be thankful for. 

P.S. This Thanksgiving, if Minute with Mallon has encouraged or inspired you this year, I’d be so thankful if you’d forward it to just one person you’re grateful for — someone who might enjoy growing right alongside us. They can subscribe at: RobertMallon.com/Newsletter

With gratitude,

Robert