Youth Column: Don't Forget the Value of Appreciation
Appreciation and encouragement are the two elements which could energize even the weakest and elucidate the path to their success. On the contrary, criticism and discouragement could dishearten even the most relentless. Many people consider appreciation as a reward and work diligently to achieve it. This efficient way of working develops skillfulness, which eventually leads to success.
People usually do not realize the value of admiration and keep on criticizing their family members unnecessarily. Faults could be found out even in the most efficient piece of work, while some good could be discovered even in the worst of works. However, it has been observed that most of the people find more faults than quality in the deeds of others. This proves fatal to the self-confidence of the doer.
Genuine appreciation could help in promoting people on the path of progress and success. If we learn to appreciate the small initiatives taken by a person and make him believe that his endeavors are praiseworthy and should be continued, then this small gesture could provide him with great will-power and courage. The small seed of appreciation and encouragement sowed in the heart of a person leads him to the golden fruits of success.
Psychologists hold the view that we perceive a person or circumstances more from the viewpoint of others than our own perspective. If somebody has created a particular image of someone in our mind, then we begin analyzing him according to it.
The correct way of ensuring improvement is to highlight some positive aspects of the work and then advise to make improvements. Today, it has become a common practice to sharply criticize even a small mistake and even exaggerate it. However, any good work done is not as duly appreciated as a small error is criticized. Often, the mistakes made by the women-folk while looking after the household affairs are highlighted, while their praiseworthy initiatives are not given due credit. The consequence is that home-makers begin to develop an inferiority complex and their self-confidence decreases in similar proportions. Women work diligently in their houses from early morning till late night, but their work is neither valued nor appreciated. But if the family members realize the importance of their household chores and appreciate them, then this small gesture is sufficient to bring happiness in their eyes.
Appreciation is a precious gift, which could be extended to anyone and desired results could be obtained in exchange. True appreciation fills the heart with such an excitement that it generates positivity in the mind. If this appreciation is accompanied by encouragement, then the impact increases manifold.
Therefore, one should not be silent on finding something applaudable, but should express appreciation through words and observe its outcome. Praise is like honey, which fills the heart with sweetness. This sweetness should always be disseminated and people should be appreciated with an open heart.
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." — Benjamin Franklin
"Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education." — Martin Luther King Jr.
"Teach the ignorant as much as you can; society is culpable in not providing a free education for all and it must answer for the night which it produces." — Victor Hugo