Appreciation is a human need. Even animals show appreciation within and among their kind and respond to appreciation positively when shown. When we do something well, we consciously or unconsciously long for some form of appreciation, especially from those who matter most to us. It brightens our lives and motivates us to do more and better. It is the best reward we can receive for our efforts, as it is more precious than money and other awards.
It adds joy and spice to family life. It is a genuine and spontaneous expression of joy at others’ achievements. It works as an incentive to a child to take the next step as it begins to walk; to a young student to study hard and produce better results; to an entrepreneur to achieve greater productivity; to a sports person to improve her/his performance. In short, it acts as a healthy push to do better in life.
In as much as we long for appreciation, it is important that we are generous in our appreciation of others. Only a person with a generous and loving heart can appreciate another’s efforts and achievements. Appreciation is different from gratitude. The latter is given for a favour received, but the former is freely given because the person deserves to be appreciated. It is also not to be confused with flattery. While flattery is fake and false, appreciation is genuine and true. Flattery, based on falsehood, as it is, destroys the person eventually, while appreciation helps one to grow and become better.
Also read more stories on Life Lessons
The Power
Once somebody asked the Duke of Wellington what one thing he would change if he could live his life all over again. He replied, “I would give more appreciation to people.” History is replete with inspiring tales of great individuals who could not have made it big in life if it were not for the sincere and constant appreciation they received from others. Human beings have the innate need and desire to be appreciated and accepted. Thus, a simple gesture or word of appreciation serves as a whiff of fresh air to a discouraged individual and lights up his/her life.
The most important aspect of appreciation is that it helps both the giver and the receiver to come out of the daily humdrums and drudgeries of life and feel lightened, Genuine appreciation enriches both the parties concerned since when a person appreciates someone or something, he/she unconsciously endorses the good contained there and is open to accepting the positive element in himself/herself. Perhaps that is why Helen Lowrie Marshall once said, “I spoke one little word of praise and sunshine fell on both our ways.”
In order to give unconditional positive regard to others one should be appreciative of oneself and should have the ability to see the positive elements in the most negative situations. Often, the simplest and the most practical way to express appreciation is to look for the good around oneself. When we realize our own need for appreciation, why should we shy away from extending it to those who really deserve it? ‘When we look for positivity around us and appreciate the good in people, we can help them to achieve greatness in their lives.
Touch the Life of Others
Appreciation is so powerful that it affects the bottom lint of the person. When you express your appreciation, you are basically saying, I notice you, you are important and you are significant Sincere expressions of appreciation open the lines of communication and improve teamwork because people tend to be more open with co-workers who appreciate the job they do. To ensure that your expressions of appreciation have a significant impact, remember these four keys: ISOS:
I = Immediate: Express your appreciation immediately, even if it is over the phone or via e-mail. You can always do more lately. If you don’t do something immediately, the person you appreciate may feel unappreciated. Seize the moment. Do it right away.
S = Specific: Make the acknowledgement specific rather than being generic. Being specific adds importance and validity to appreciation.
O = Often: Few people have ever suffered from too much appreciation, but many have suffered from too little of appreciation. Don’t be stingy. Offer it frequently, appropriately, and creatively; maybe by a positive word or a simple gesture.
S = Sincere: Say it only if you mean it People are smart and they can tell if you are faking it A sincere expression of appreciation that comes from the heart is a powerful motivator.
Final Thoughts
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We’re all cracked pots. But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You’ve just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them.
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life and recognize them for what they actually contribute to making your life better.
And to our readers, Team Knowlab Thanks you for your support on our journey.
Follow us on Instagram.
