PRAISE…One Of The “Foods of Life”

P.O Box 1540, Albany Western Australia 6331
Phone/Fax: (08) 98 418 418
E-mail: abl-alb@omninet.net.au

PRAISE…One Of The “Foods of Life”
“Genuine praise, like the rare jewels and metals of the earth, draws its true value from its scarcity.” I can’t recall who made that statement, but it’s profoundly true! And I can think of at least three observations that should be made concerning appreciation: Psychologists tell us that one of the deepest urges in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to the happiness and success of others when we express appreciation for their work and worth. Psychologists also advise that the giving of sincere praise brings outstanding benefits to the one who gives it. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to our own happiness and success when we express appreciation to others. Observation teaches us that the most successful people have mastered the art of giving praise. However, I think that most of us would agree that giving honest praise is like “saying grace” at the table…very difficult to start, if it hasn’t been our pattern. Therefore, if you have difficulty in giving sincere appreciation to others, I’d like to share some guidelines that might be of some benefit to you. Look for little things for which you can express appreciation. Most times we tend to wait for stupendous achievements before uttering one word of commendation or encouragement. Rare and refreshing is the person who goes on a “treasure hunt” searching for little things to praise. Look for things close at hand for which you can express appreciation. The human tendency is to see glamour in things at a distance and defects in things close at hand. It doesn’t take much intelligence to find fault with things and people close by. Conversely, it requires sensitive perception to detect the genuine worth of nearby treasures. Voice your appreciation. It isn’t that we don’t appreciate others…it’s just that, for some unknown reason, we are hesitant to voice that feeling. However, it is necessary to say nice things to have them do good…not merely think them. And by not acting quickly to praise another person for their work, the impulse often fades away. Genuine appreciation requires an understanding and generous heart. It is a fruit of careful cultivation. It is the “sign of noble souls” says Aesop. A great business builder says: “Appreciation is the oil that keeps the machinery of human relations running smoothly.” So, like a wise farmer, look around! You may need to oil the machinery! If you have any comments or questions, or would like to write on a particular subject that might help you find and enjoy a better life, please feel free to write to me: Ron Bainbridge: Email me or write to me at P.O Box 1540, Albany W.A 6331. Telephone / Fax (08) 98 418 418

“Genuine praise, like the rare jewels and metals of the earth, draws its true value from its scarcity.” I can’t recall who made that statement, but it’s profoundly true! And I can think of at least three observations that should be made concerning appreciation:

Psychologists tell us that one of the deepest urges in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to the happiness and success of others when we express appreciation for their work and worth.

Psychologists also advise that the giving of sincere praise brings outstanding benefits to the one who gives it. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to our own happiness and success when we express appreciation to others.

Observation teaches us that the most successful people have mastered the art of giving praise.

However, I think that most of us would agree that giving honest praise is like “saying grace” at the table…very difficult to start, if it hasn’t been our pattern. Therefore, if you have difficulty in giving sincere appreciation to others, I’d like to share some guidelines that might be of some benefit to you.

Look for little things for which you can express appreciation. Most times we tend to wait for stupendous achievements before uttering one word of commendation or encouragement. Rare and refreshing is the person who goes on a “treasure hunt” searching for little things to praise.

Look for things close at hand for which you can express appreciation. The human tendency is to see glamour in things at a distance and defects in things close at hand. It doesn’t take much intelligence to find fault with things and people close by. Conversely, it requires sensitive perception to detect the genuine worth of nearby treasures.

Voice your appreciation. It isn’t that we don’t appreciate others…it’s just that, for some unknown reason, we are hesitant to voice that feeling. However, it is necessary to say nice things to have them do good…not merely think them. And by not acting quickly to praise another person for their work, the impulse often fades away.

Genuine appreciation requires an understanding and generous heart. It is a fruit of careful cultivation. It is the “sign of noble souls” says Aesop. A great business builder says: “Appreciation is the oil that keeps the machinery of human relations running smoothly.” So, like a wise farmer, look around! You may need to oil the machinery!

If you have any comments or questions, or would like to write on a particular subject that might help you find and enjoy a better life, please feel free to write to me: Ron Bainbridge:

Email me
or write to me at
P.O Box 1540,
Albany W.A 6331.

Telephone / Fax (08) 98 418 418