Personalize It!!
Confucius say, “If you want to feel good about yourself, make others feel good about themselves,”. OK… maybe Confucius did not say that, but that does not mean it isn’t true!
I wanted to take the time in this article to tell you about something I noticed not too recently. I have the pleasure of spending my days with a great man who does incredible things. His accomplishments are amazing, and include having dinner with Eleanor Roosevelt!! So one day I decided to inconspicuously study him, and I noticed something so simple that he does, yet so effective. He is very polite, but that is not just it. He actually makes it a point when he is talking to someone on the phone, in person, in a meeting, or in his personal relationships to point out exactly why he appreciates that person. He personalizes his "thank you’s," his compliments, and his recognition towards others. I just notice how he just has the nicest things to say about people and what they do. Think for a second how this can change not only your outlook towards everyone and life in general, but how this can improve what people think of you, and how this can dramatically improve your relationships with others!
So the next time someone does something for you, first of all, THANK THEM!! Second of all, make it personal. And third of all, recognize something you usually take advantage of. So for example, notice your wife or husband doing the laundry and putting your clothes away? This may be something we normally take advantage of and have come to expect. Ever think about how your clothes magically appear neat and clean in the closet? The next time this happens, turn to your loved one and say, “You know I truly appreciate you doing my laundry, and I want you to know that is it doesn’t go unnoticed, so thank you!!
Enjoy the reaction you get, and start to do this on a daily basis with people most helpful and important in your life. You will be surprised at how this small little change in how you show your appreciation for someone can dramatically improve your relationships… just by personalizing it!!
William Martinez
william@longislandexchange.com
February 24, 2006 12:25 PM Eastern
Advice Column
