Monday, October 22, 2018

Compliments

“Let someone else praise you; compliments are always sweeter from a stranger’s lips than from your own.” (Proverbs 27:2, VOICE)

Sometimes, people won’t acknowledge you for your accomplishments. This may seem strange since almost all of us harbor hopes for such recognition. One reason is that trying for compliments is so well-known thing. It might seem that people would be more than willing to give what they’d greatly appreciate getting themselves. This typically isn’t the case.

Assuming that you yearn like the majority of us to be recognized for what you do relates to the fact that validation from others just feels good and special. Some people have dreams of standing out, being admired, acclaimed, and applauded. Approbation from others whose authority we respect serves to verify our sense of inner worth.

If you were do as Proverbs 27:2 suggests, wouldn’t compliments mean a lot more that come your way? God knows the good you are doing. Ultimately, that’s most important.  Have the joy of being a selfless encourager. The right words of praise can make all the difference in the world to someone who desperately needs it. You have the power to do this:

1.     Be specific. Vague praise doesn’t make much of an impression.

 
2.     Beware when a person asks for your honest opinion. This is often a clue that they're seeking reassurance not honesty.

 
3.     Don’t hesitate to praise people who get a lot of praise already. I’ve noticed that even people who get constant crave praise. Is this because praiseworthy people are often insecure? Or does getting praise lead to a need for more praise?

 
4.     Find a way to praise sincerely and realistically. It’s a rare situation where you can’t identify something that you honestly find praiseworthy.

 
5.     Look for something less obvious to praise. A more obscure accomplishment that a person hasn’t heard praised many times before.

 
6.     Never offer praise and ask for a favor in the same conversation. It makes the praise seems fake.

 
7.     Praise is gratifying to the person getting praised, but it also boosts the happiness of the praiser. Because the way we feel is very much influenced by the way we act. By acting in a way that shows appreciation, discernment, and thoughtfulness, we make ourselves feel more appreciative, discerning, and thoughtful. And that boosts happiness.

 
8.     Praise people to others. The praised person usually hears about the praise, and behind-the-back praise seems more sincere than face-to-face praise.

 “The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” (Norman Vincent Peale)[i]



[i] Sources used:
·        “7 Tips for Giving Effective Praise” by Gretchen Rubin
·        “Why People Don't Acknowledge You” by Leon F. Seltzer
 

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