Are You An Encourager?

Have you ever been discouraged from achieving something important to you by some well-meaning authority figure? I know I have. I know you have too. And to make it even worse, they even told you you couldn't do it. These kind of comments stick because we attach the emotion of "I'm not good enough" to them. Success doesn't have to be just about money and living an affluent lifestyle to deserve praise and encouragement. For most of us, fulfilling our potential is all that matters. Know that with the current world population at a little over 7 billion, there have never been two people alike, or ever will be. It stands to reason therefore that no two people want the same things. And even though we may 'want' our own success, when was the last time ANYONE gave you any encouragement? It's a fact most people recall being told what they could not do more times than they could ever recall being told what they could do.

History tells us many successful people achieved success in every field of endeavour. And not everyone had a large home or big bank account as evidence! So when we see people with their own agenda, their own dreams and aspirations, would it not serve humanity better if we encouraged instead of criticised? Now I'm not suggesting for a moment that we just tell everyone they can achieve anything they desire - that would be cruel; just look at our education system churning out students with top grades but without a decent education. We each have our unique, special gifts to offer the world, and each other. This is why our relationshiops with other people are so important. In fact I'll go as far as to say that evertthing we do in life depends on how good we are at building relationships. And people respond best with encouragement and sincere, heartfelt praise.

"I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The
way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement. I have yet
to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth
greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism." ~ Charles Scwab

Now, to give you some idea of the value of that statement, Charles Schwab was the first man in America to be paid over US$1 million in the great depression era. Therefore is not encouragment and your relationships with other people one of the most, if not THE most valuable asset you can possess? Appreciation and encouragment works. So althougb it's obvious we may not want the same things, how good do you feel when you put a smile on someone else's face? How good do you feel when you help someone up who needs just that little bit of encouragement? Look for the good is what I'm saying. Encourage and be sincere about it. If not, it's manipulative. We may not all be reaching for the stars, but I believe it's far better to give each and every one of us the benefit of the doubt.

To your success!