One of the best ways to build strong, positive relationships with friends, relatives, business associates, or customers, is to show appreciation. Going out of our way to tell AND show people how much we appreciate what they have done, regardless of how unimportant or little it might have been, puts us in the minority of people.
I can virtually promise that someone in your life has done something for you that deserves a simple thank you or some small sign of appreciation. Here are a few ideas to consider:
1. Call at least one person a day, everyday, to thank him or her for something.
2. Send out five thank-you notes a week. There is power in the written word and a written thank you carries a ton more “weight” than even the hardiest verbal thank you.
3. Don’t wait to show your appreciation. Do it now. Even the best of intentions isn’t as good as the poorest worded thank you. If someone deserves your appreciation then give it, the sooner the better.
4. Do what you do for others without the expectation of appreciation. When you want something back, that is not a gift – it’s a barter.
When you are appreciative it makes other people feel they want to do more for you even though that was not your agenda. When we fail to show appreciation, it makes others feel they want to do less or nothing for us.
Someone in your life feels a word of appreciation has been earned. Can you guess who it might be? You have absolutely nothing to lose? A simple thank you doesn’t cost anything, and it can mean so much to people who have gone out of their way for you.
Don’t wait another moment, be thankful and show thanks now!
Gahhhh, so many people don’t show appreciation. If they aren’t thinking it, they aren’t doing it! And it is almost WORSE when I see people use the same descriptors and show appreciation in the same way to every single employee! I love writing little notes of thanks and encouragement. Notes that are specific in nature, especially! Thanks for this reminder! I hope all the right people see it!
Thanks for your comment. What a great point…. If they aren’t showing it they aren’t thinking it…. I never thought of it like that but it’s absolutely true!
And I always save thank you notes. Looking back through them always brings back warm memories of the time I spent with those who sent them.
I do the same, it’s a great reason to send them!
🙂 You have inspired me, Steve. I have 3 to send today. Somehow emailed TYs aren’t the same.
You’re right, there is just nothing like receiving an old fashioned hand written thank you note!
If someone doesn’t have a smile, give them yours…I bet two will shine there after. Never underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word and the very special hand written note. 🙂 TCOY = Take Care of You!
Thanks for the comment Lucy! A smile indeed brightens the day 🙂