Just a few words

May 31 2019

“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble. —Yehuda Berg

I would like you to think about the last time someone encouraged you. Was it a big thing or was it a small thing? I find that for many, the most frequent and effective encouragement if often a small thing. Maybe it was a thank you, a nod from the boss, a pat on the shoulder, or just noticing something you did well.

The word encourage means to give support, confidence, or hope to someone. To put it another way, it means to instill courage.

Here’s the point: People need so very little encouragement to excel. The right word, pat, or look can have a tremendous impact on another. Something small can change everything.

If you think a small word or look has limited effect, think of the its negative opposite. It is often easier to grasp, but equally impactful. Think of that one thing your parent said to you or the that one look they gave you that just cut you to the core. How big of an impact did that have or does it still have? The same can be true for a little encouragement.

If you need a few suggestions, below is a list of encouraging words and actions. They prove you don’t have to get all unctuous about it. I would encourage you to pick a couple from the list and try them out as you go through your day.

We often forget the tremendous power we have to affect others and we are all in a unique position to speak into the lives of children, co-workers, family and friends.

Encouraging word examples: