This post is excerpted from Simple Acts of Moving Forward.
We’ve tried some acts of creativity and acts of daring. Now we’ll look outward for a week focused on generosity. Sometimes we’re stuck because we’re unable to get out of our own circle of existence. But when we look for ways to give to others and focus on them, before we know it, we’ve moved forward!
Do you ever feel like this? I’m so tired of people looking weary and glum wherever I go. Is everyone having that bad a day? Am I stuck forever in this atmosphere?
You’ll be surprised at how people respond when you simply make the first move and say something nice. A courteous greeting will do, but a real compliment is even better. Most people try hard to do well. Sometimes their attempts are awkward and inadequate, and other times their effectiveness and success are astounding. Either way, it makes a big difference when one person walks up and says, “I really appreciate all your work.”
Why be stingy with praise? Are we really so envious of another’s success or giftedness that it hurts us to say “good job”? We train children from an early age to walk up to their opponents after a game and say, “Good game!” no matter who won. This attitude should travel with us every day.
I’m convinced of the virtue of giving praise because I have seen its effects so often. I don’t gush or hand out empty compliments. But I have thanked janitors in public restrooms for keeping those places clean; I’ve complimented total strangers on their coats and hairdos. I’ve gone out of my way to tell some short-order cook that those were the best scrambled eggs I’d had in years. I’m not trying to earn points; I never expect to see these people again. But they’ve brought something good to my day, and they should be told about it.
We lose nothing by building up another person; we gain his look of surprised pleasure in response to our three-second statement. It’s so easy to say thank you. It’s quite effortless to tell a person that she’s done a good job. And you can be fairly certain that your words will stand out to her in an ordinary day full of frustrations and complaints.
Before the day is over, find someone to praise.
A Little Prayer for the Next Step
Show me the people who are doing wonderful jobs. Point my genuine praise toward someone who really needs to hear it today.
We invite you to use the Simple Acts for the Days Ahead tab to share the simple acts you are working on and to encourage other members of our online community in their efforts.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I have found that giving thanks to someone, a total stranger or not, even if it is a short,
simple thanks can do wonders. ALSO, if you throw in a sincere smile along with the thanks, the results are gratifying. Guess what I’m trying to say is that my heart reacts to their response with a warm feeling of contentment that I’ve done a good deed. And, even if the other person does not respond positively, the good deed is done for our Lord.
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Vinita Reply:
January 20th, 2010 at 9:58 am
Amen to that. –Vinita
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