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 skilfulness, 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. Sometimes, the qualities are completely undermined and the flaws are emphasized to such an extent that the particular piece of work seems to be the most detrimental. This proves fatal to the self- confidence of the doer. However, if positive aspects of a low quality work are also highlighted, the work could become praiseworthy.
Genuine appreciation could help in promoting people on the path of progress and success. This should be accompanied with encouragement, which would substantially help a person to move forward. If we learn to appreciate the small initiatives taken by a person and make him believe that his endeavours 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 view point 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. For instance, if we have to meet two people and we are told in advance about the wisdom of one of them and the foolishness of the other, then we would begin analyzing them accordingly. We would hardly make an effort to objectively verify the reality of the facts.
This happens with everyone. Appreciation of one’s efforts makes him happy, even when he knows the shortfalls. Similarly, constant criticism disheartens the person, even when he knows the worth of his work.
Usually, every person and his actions have a blend of both, proficiency and inefficiency. However, people emphasize flaws, while disregarding merits. It is generally thought that by highlighting the flaws, people would try to eliminate them and eventually, only excellence would prevail. However, the outcome is totally different. Constant criticism could de- motivate people to such extremes, that they may stop working at all. This may be because when so many flaws are highlighted, the person surrenders before them and thinks that it is not possible to remove such great flaws. So, relinquishing the work seems to be a better option to him.
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. Today, people are so habituated to finding faults that they usually ignore the accomplishments of others. Raising fingers has become a common practice, but do we also observe the merits of others so closely? Do we appreciate them? If not, then it means that we are not yet familiar with the magical impact of appreciation.
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. Some people and their activities are so flawless that they naturally get appreciated. But, if the initiatives of a common person are truly admired and he is constantly encouraged to move forward, then his chance to succeed gets augmented because his mind would be full of positive energy, which would constantly drive him towards excellence.
Therefore, one should not be silent on finding something to applaud, 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.