APPRECIATION: SUPPORTING THE ONES WE LOVE
H. Jackson Brown, the author of "Life's Little Instruction Booklet", said that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. I don't know if that is scientifically true but I do know that it is a very important human need that forms a huge void when not fulfilled.
Have you noticed that your attitude towards a menial, insignificant task can be reframed with just a little encouragement or appreciation from someone meaningful in your life?
I think I would be so much better at certain "responsibilities" if I felt like there was some appreciation for them rather than an expectation. Let's take cooking as an example. I used to love cooking and look forward to unwinding from a long day with a glass of wine while I stirred the risotto. Now it's a chore and another thing that I have to check off on my long to do list each day. And then I have to clean up!
Appreciation is recognizing the efforts of others....and saying something! I do appreciate the things that I have and 90% of the time am very positive. But there are those days when I am worn out......and one comment of appreciation can really make it all worth it. Seeing how much it impacts me makes me realize that I need to give more appreciation to others - my husband, family members, friends, teachers, patients, customer service people, etc..... No one really has an "easy" job and everyone is working hard towards some goal.
How to appreciate more:
Say something! Even if it is just a thank you to your morning barista
Notice the little, thankless things that people do everyday: my husband takes out the trash everyday and I am so happy that I don't have to do it. I appreciate those little gestures and need to tell him more!
Think of three good things that happened to you during the day and every night before you go to sleep, write them down. I first heard about this from Bryan Sexton and Duke University and it works!
Thank you notes, recognition to your employees at work and well wishes to your customers are all great ways to build motivation and create good will in others.
Start practicing a little more appreciation today and I guarantee your outlook will change!