People will probably forget what you said...

People will probably forget what you said and they will possibly forget what you did . . . but they will never forget how you made them feel!

Either a good or bad word from someone will stay with you for a long while – but how they made you feel in what they said – will stay with you forever!!!

Of course, there’s two sides to this principle (as there is for most things in life) – both equally important!!!

One aspect is the negative, destructive one. If we drive a nail into something, or a knife into someone (whether real or virtual) – even when we remove them – the resulting damage, or scar, remains forever!!! Please stay aware of that – without focusing on it.

The other aspect of this principle – the one we really should focus on – is the power of encouragement!!!

The power of uplifting words or actions to another individual – or group of people – is almost impossible to measure – but the results will be sustainable if the words or actions are used consistently!!!

Many of us are in the practice of using positive self-talk and affirmations to keep us uplifted – or to overcome some deep adversity in our lives that has left a scar. It is a great way to achieve good things and to maintain a constant “feel good” mentality – but just one little chunk of encouragement from someone else is usually far more uplifting (by a factor of ten – at least) and the affects longer-lasting.

My suggestion to you is to give encouragement on a daily basis – and if you’re not particularly good at it – then try it for just one week and see how it feels – and observe the change in the dynamics of the people around you – they will be incredible….. once they’re over the shock ? One week of successful encouragement will change your entire life – because it will become a great habit!!!

Sure – it’s easy to say nothing if someone in our lives does something that involves some level of achievement (no matter how large or small) – but your life (and theirs) will become far richer and more fulfilling if you can learn to give genuine praise and encouragement!!! It may not even be achievement just yet – they may only be ‘trying’ to do something – but just not quite getting there.

Your positive help just may allow them to reach the goal that they are so desperately seeking. Give it a go – you’ve got absolutely nothing to lose – and so much to gain!!!

If you’re striving for a particular goal yourself – let persistence, patience, and courage be your closest friends – you’ll get there!!!