ENCOURAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL
There are people all over the world - including maybe you here today - who are pursuing excellence without any fanfare or recognition. Some are perhaps getting the acknowledgement they deserve, but the harsh reality of high achievement is that most days no one will be there to see or to celebrate the hard work you’re putting in. In the midst of our winning pursuit, it's not that hard to get down or discouraged, and that’s exactly why for each of us, encouragement is essential.
Of course, ownership and accountability have their place, too. We are responsible for creating a high standard for our performance and for confirming that standard’s been met. But when it comes to effectively engaging and energizing someone who’s doing the hard work winning requires them to do, nothing fills them up and fuels future performance like encouragement does.
Maybe it’s nothing more than the simple recognition that their effort has been noticed and appreciated. Maybe it’s highlighting a specific winning quality or characteristic that’s easy to take for granted. Maybe it’s simply acknowledging that despite how far there still is to go, it’s worth taking a minute to recognize how much progress has already been made. It could be a kind word, a hand-written note, a text message, an email, or a phone call. When it comes to encouragement, even a small gesture can make a major impact.
I share this simple reminder with you for a few reasons. The first is because I want to offer you some encouragement for the work you’re doing. I know it’s likely that your commitment to excellence here today probably won’t get the fanfare or recognition it deserves. If you’re feeling down or discouraged, then let this message serve as a simple reminder that today matters, and that your hard work is making a difference. I know you probably aren’t where you want to be yet, but it’s worth taking a minute to recognize how far you’ve come. So keep going! I’m certain you’ll be glad you did.
I’m also sharing this message because it’s worth reminding you that you need to be committed to encouraging yourself. Yes, you absolutely need to be taking ownership and accountability. You need to set a high standard for yourself and you need to hold yourself to that standard. Your very best undoubtedly requires you to challenge yourself, and sometimes to serve as your own biggest critic. But it’s also important to see that your very best also requires you to be your own biggest cheerleader, too. That means acknowledging your hard work, and recognizing for yourself how far you’ve come. Even if it doesn’t come naturally - especially if it doesn't come naturally - I want to encourage you to encourage yourself.
Finally, I’m sharing this message here today because I’m confident there are some people around you who could use some of that encouragement, too. As a leader, as a boss, as a coach or a coworker, as a teacher or a teammate, as a family member or a friend, it’s important for you to recognize the powerful impact your encouragement has on the people around you. It could be a kind word, a hand-written note, a text message, an email, or a phone call. If you see someone who’s committed to pursuing excellence today, then celebrate it! Nothing fills them up and fuels future performance like encouragement does. For them - just like for you - encouragement is essential.
