Introspective
By
Thomas F. O'Neill
We all want and need to feel valued for who we are and recognized for our
contributions and accomplishments. It’s important for us to know
that we have made a difference in someone’s life.
If a person takes the time to express their heart-felt appreciation for something we have done, it boosts our spirit, passion, and purpose. It builds our self-confidence, self-esteem and our entire self-image. It gives us energy and motivation to work harder and do more.
It has been said that people who feel appreciated will always do more than what is expected of them.
We all should show appreciation because what we take for granted can be lost or taken away then we end up missing most what we least appreciated.
I have found that when I give people a sincere compliment, words of encouragement or just a warm smile, I am making their world a better place. I make them feel appreciated and valuable.
When you express your approval or gratitude for something others have done, you will not only enhance their lives, but you will enrich yours as well. You will feel more fulfilled because you have done something to make someone else’s life better.
Our appreciation can literally make someone’s day or change a person’s life for the better. We just need to take the time to put it into words and that is all that is necessary to help others feel valued.
One of the laws of the universe states that what we give we get in return. It costs little or nothing to appreciate the people in our lives, and it almost always follows suit that people will demonstrate their gratitude for what you do.
When you show an interest in others by noticing the good things they’ve done, they will be drawn to you like a magnet. It will accelerate the relationship building process and enhance their overall impression of you.
When you show your appreciation to others, their respect for you will grow and so will your influence as a leader. In today’s world people have choices. They absolutely prefer to work with people they like and trust and who show an interest in them.
Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”
It’s a free form of currency. People will do more for recognition than they will for money. If you are in a leadership position, remember that people will work harder and do more if they know they will be recognized for their accomplishments. Show them you care and they will be loyal to you, even if better opportunities come their way.
Make a list of those people who regularly do things for you, friends, family members, and those you meet on a daily bases. When this list is complete, go back over each name and determine how you can express your appreciation for the things they do for you in a way that makes them feel noticed and valued.
Let me also encourage you to thank 100% of the people for 100% of the things they do to make your life better, even if it’s part of their job description. Whether it’s the hostess who seats you in a restaurant, a grocery clerk who scans and bags your groceries, everyone deserves to be thanked.
Begin to adopt an attitude of gratitude. People who show their appreciation and gratitude are much happier than the people who never do.
If you begin to adopt an attitude of appreciation you will also find yourself smiling more and people liking you more for just being you.
Always with love from Suzhou, China
Thomas F O’Neill
WeChat - Thomas_F_ONeill
U.S. voice mail: (800) 272-6464
China Cell: 011-86-15114565945
Skype: thomas_f_oneill
Email: introspective7@hotmail.com
Other articles, short stories, and commentaries by Thomas F. O'Neill can be found on his award winning blog, Link:
http://thomasfoneill.blogspot.com
Click on author's byline for bio and list of other works published by Pencil Stubs Online.
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