Praise is the act of expressing warm approval or admiration of someone or something. A few of you asked me to write about praise, so here are some thoughts. 

Sometimes being the recipient of another’s praise feels good. Yet sometimes it doesn’t. Why? This is because there’s a time and place and a way to offer praise.

Any number of responses can be triggered by how we express praise to another, depending upon the delivery of our thoughts.

Giving praise deserves our full attention because if deemed undeserved by the recipient, the accolades or praise can actually 1- Make the recipient feel worse; 2- Make them question your sincerity; 3- Think you have no idea what you’re talking about.  4- Miss areas where improvement might be beneficial and 5- Cause doubt about future praise.

Specific praise should not be confused with a compliment. A compliment being something like:  Your eyes are beautiful. 

Praise is different in that it directly acknowledges effort.  If delivered sincerely it is very valuable, usually welcomed and remembered.  Yet, when praise is not specific or focused on someone’s effort invested, the recipient may either question the sincerity, be offended or confused, or be of the belief that the words are trite and somehow invalidating the efforts and action that were invested to excel, which was what captured attention in the first place.

If we want to offer praise, we must first identify: What specifically is praise-worthy?  Next, we need to be aware of the difference between the point of focus (a compliment) vs. the effort underlying the accomplishment (praise.)

Delivered constructively and instructively compliments feel good and praise boosts motivation, engagement and commitment often resulting in deeper connection in our relationships.

And, if you’re waiting for a compliment or praise from another — today is a good day to note your beautiful features and what you’re doing well, and give yourself a nice cheer!

This is Silver Disobedience® philosophy. I’m @DianGriesel aka @SilverDisobedience ✨ A Perception Analyst who shares my Daily Meditations for other Ageless, Passionate & Curious People.  More info in my bio & my websites.