Why You Need to Show Your Appreciation Today

Recently I was talking to a high school teacher about her work. She was telling me about two students who come from very challenging situations where there is almost no supervision or support at home. This teacher is attentive and affirming to all her students, but she is especially mindful of expressing appreciation to the two who might not get it elsewhere.

How important do you think it is to feel appreciated, praised or thought well of? How important is it to regularly express our appreciation to others? How important is it to be able to accept the appreciation offered by others?

William James, considered by many to be the father of psychology said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” Even if you don’t agree that the need to be appreciated is the deepest principle in human nature, I’m sure you would agree that it’s at the top of the list.

Here are two things for you to think about today:

Be generous in expressing appreciation and praise to others. Let your family, friends, boss, and co-workers know you appreciate them—and why. If you want to really get their attention, write them a handwritten note. Be creative in thinking of ways to show them how you feel.

Be receptive to the appreciation and compliments others give you. Instead of deflecting someone’s expression of appreciation with what might seem to be humility, accept it graciously. A simple “Thank you” is always appropriate and will be well received. Also, in the future, when you are having a challenging day (or week!) take a moment and remember the times when someone else expressed their appreciation to you.

We might not be able to change the entire world, but by being generous in expressing our appreciation, we might be able to change one person’s world today. And by opening our hearts to others when they express their appreciation to us, we can allow them to change ours, as well.

Alan Allard, Executive Coach and Speaker
www.alanallard.com