I always find it interesting how people struggle to show gratitude/appreciation towards others.
A compliment to someone costs nothing to give, is deeply appreciated to receive, builds relationships and garners respect but too many people express their own lack of confidence in not showing appreciation.
Somehow we’ve come to a place where many think everything is a zero sum game. If I compliment you, I’ll loose something. A position of power, bargaining advantage, respect or I’ll reveal my insecurities. In actuality I’ve found generally it does the inverse in most situations.
In showing appreciation I gain immeasurable. I develop clarity of what I see and care for, confidence in talking to others knowing that the world doesn’t end if I speak up. And above all I give someone a gift of being Seen, for them to know what they cared for others noticed and share in their efforts. They then return that gift with a smile and I walk off richer for the experience.
Beautiful - my cortisol fell just by reading this today, thank you. And breathe.
Thanks Lou :-)
I always find it interesting how people struggle to show gratitude/appreciation towards others.
A compliment to someone costs nothing to give, is deeply appreciated to receive, builds relationships and garners respect but too many people express their own lack of confidence in not showing appreciation.
Somehow we’ve come to a place where many think everything is a zero sum game. If I compliment you, I’ll loose something. A position of power, bargaining advantage, respect or I’ll reveal my insecurities. In actuality I’ve found generally it does the inverse in most situations.
In showing appreciation I gain immeasurable. I develop clarity of what I see and care for, confidence in talking to others knowing that the world doesn’t end if I speak up. And above all I give someone a gift of being Seen, for them to know what they cared for others noticed and share in their efforts. They then return that gift with a smile and I walk off richer for the experience.
Beautifully put. Thank you Ian.