For Both of Us: A Little Bit of Praise Goes a Long Way

Have you ever stopped to think about the last time someone praised you, paid you a compliment —and how it made you feel?

It’s easy to give advice. I think I find it easy to take advice too.

But for me to heed the words that I say to others? Not so easy.

So this one is for both of us:

A little bit of praise goes a long way.

I’ve written before about how we don’t give ourselves enough credit.

We should also give others more credit too. More kind words.

That little bit can make someone feel so appreciated.

The whole concept of “participation trophies” is a common trope these days, but let’s not forget that if nobody participated, nothing would happen.

We can’t all win. We can’t even all come in the top three.

I did, once. I remember.

Second grade. That part I’m not so sure about.

The President’s Council on Physical Fitness.

Is that even a thing anymore?

I remember the standing long jump. I came in third. I got a ribbon.

And I remember that ribbon on our refrigerator.

And just the other day, for some reason, I mentioned that in conversation.

So yeah, it still means something to me, over half a century later. (Ugh. I shouldn’t have phrased it like that.)

But anyway, it’s hard to get the credit you deserve and hard to demand it from others. But it can be easy to give.

“Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise,” as Dale Carnegie wrote, “and people will cherish your words and treasure them and repeat them over a lifetime – repeat them years after you have forgotten them.”

Kind of like that ribbon.

Give somebody a ribbon. Literally or verbally.

You can do it. You’ll be glad you did.

(And so will I!)

See you tomorrow!

#PraiseMatters#SmallActsBigImpact#WordsHavePower#GiveCredit#KindnessCounts#carnegie