In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the contributions and efforts of the people around us. Taking others for granted will hurt our relationships and cause us to miss out on opportunities to connect. By going out of our way to say ‘Thank you for doing that.’ or ‘Thanks for spending time with me.’ can make someone’s day.

Start practicing a habit of appreciation to foster stronger bonds and a positive environment. I will discuss the significance of small gestures, expressing gratitude even when it’s expected, the importance of timing, and things to avoid when showing appreciation.

Don’t Take People for Granted

Making someone feel seen and valued doesn’t always come naturally to us. When we neglect to show appreciation through our words and actions, we are implying that they don’t matter to us.

You can avoid this hurtful misunderstanding by acknowledging their work, efforts, and contributions in your life, no matter how small. Some good actions may not seem obvious so I’ll give you some ideas:

• Listening to and asking questions about what they have shared
• Accepting a service or gift with a smile
• Being impressed by a job / chore well-done

The Impact of Small Gestures

Think of small gestures as compound interest. It will continue to snowball – in a good way – for both people. They communicate thoughtfulness and how you value someone while encouraging the other person to reciprocate (if they feel moved by your gesture).

For those with busy lives: Take a break from your own activities to prepare a kind gesture such as writing a thank-you note, offering a compliment, or surprising someone with their favorite treat. It can brighten someone’s day and quickly deepen your connection with them.

Thanking Even When Expectations Are Met

Even when someone fulfills their responsibilities or meets your expectations, it’s nice to receive thanks. Consider the consequences of someone doing a poor job or neglecting their duties. By acknowledging their efforts, you reinforce positive behavior and inspire continued excellence.

Timing Is Key

Appreciation is most effective when delivered in a timely manner. Don’t wait for a special occasion to express your gratitude. Try to show appreciation as soon as you notice someone’s contribution. Timely acknowledgment enhances the impact of your words or actions, making them more meaningful and memorable.

Things to Avoid

When showing appreciation, it’s important to be mindful of potential pitfalls. Avoid these common mistakes:

Insincerity: Ensure your gratitude is genuine and heartfelt. Superficial or forced appreciation can feel empty and insincere, undermining the desired effect. Avoid coming across as a Yes Man.

Expecting Something in Return: Don’t give to get compliments. True community is formed when we try to outdo one another in showing honor. It’s polite to thank people for compliments, but there’s no need to get upset when someone doesn’t thank you.

Generalization: Be specific when expressing appreciation. Instead of using generic phrases, highlight the particular actions, qualities, or impact that you appreciate about the person.

Neglecting Non-Verbal Communication: Remember that appreciation can be conveyed through non-verbal cues such as eye contact, smiles, or a warm touch. Pay attention to your body language, as it can enhance the sincerity of your appreciation.

Contradicting Your Statement: A compliment can turn into bitterness when you gossip about the person behind their back. This not only shows shallowness, but will cause others to wonder if you talk about them behind their back. What is said in private will eventually be shared in public. If you have a difficult time avoiding gossip or putting others down with your speech, you may want to evaluate your heart as the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Misinterpretation: Frame your compliment to avoid a possible misunderstanding, such as clarifying that you don’t have ulterior motives, but wanted to encourage them. If a compliment is taken the wrong way, just clarify. You can always tell the person it came out wrong or it sounded better in your head.

Conclusion

The key to giving compliments is noticing the good traits in others, and acknowledging it through your words and actions. Small gestures, expressed with sincerity and at the right time, have the power to brighten someone’s day and foster an environment of joyfulness and gratitude. Avoid the pitfalls of taking people for granted to cultivate stronger and more fulfilling relationships. With practice, you will soon become an appreciation master!