Volume 4, Issue 1
January 5, 2004
Beyond Success Newsletter
Acknowledge Yourself and Others
by Trish Pratt
As you move into a new year you may have made a new year's resolution. Maybe you have decided to quit an unhealthy routine or habit, or have committed to add a healthful one. Perhaps you have resolved to sort out a career or business decision or have set a new goal in this area. But as you move forward into a new year, remember that all resolutions needn't be about a difficult or a challenging goal. Consider adding a "feel good" resolution to your list. Consider making a commitment to acknowledge yourself and others more this year. After all, along with the uniqueness we each bring to the world, most of us have a need to be appreciated. And so acknowledgement is not only healthful, but can enhance our lives in many ways.
Whether it is about a job or task well done, a relationship you value, or help or assistance that has been given, acknowledgement is about bringing a positive focus to something that we appreciate. We not only bring out the best effort in others when we acknowledge what it is we appreciate about them, we also bring out the best in ourselves.
In a society that is constantly encouraging us to focus on improving our lives, it is easy to look for what we would like to improve or change and so be focused on what's lacking or what we perceive to be in need of improvement. In working with coaching clients I am constantly reminded of this fact as I see them so often ready to focus on the next goal or issue without taking the time or energy to acknowledge themselves for changes they have already created or the positive attributes they bring to the table. If you believe as many do that we tend to find what we are looking for, then acknowledging what we perceive to be positive is very important and encourages more of what we want in our lives.
Self-acknowledgement Exercise
- What did you accomplish in 2003?
- Which of these are you most proud of?
- What are the strengths that will support you in creating what you'd most like to accomplish in 2004?
Remember these strengths and accomplishments every time you consider your new goals.
Acknowledging the positive in others supports us in our relationships. We often overlook the opportunities to acknowledge those around us and so miss out on possibilities for strengthening the bonds of our relationships. When we are acknowledged we feel noticed and appreciated. We have a greater connection to and are drawn closer to that which feels good. Psychological studies tell us that one of the most important factors in a child's development and sense of self comes from their sense of connection and being loved. And so in all close relationships, but especially in the relationships with our children, it is important to acknowledge the positive and strengthen our connections to each other. Acknowledgement not only brings about more connection in a relationship but also more connection to a job, a career or an achievement and so adds satisfaction to all parties involved. To feel positively about someone is like a rose, but to acknowledge them with this appreciation is like watering a garden.
And lastly, acknowledgement is about gratitude. When you connect to the gratitude you have for people and things in your life, you connect more to love, joy and peace, or what Eckhart Tolle describes in his book, the Power of Now, as "deep states of being." These states transcend our ever-changing emotions and connect us to true fulfillment and enlightenment. All this leads us to consider acknowledgement as a powerful tool focusing us in the direction of what we want most.
Acknowledging Others Exercise
- Who would you like to acknowledge more?
- What important relationships would you like to strengthen?
- Where would you like to create more positive change?
- And how might you acknowledge your family, staff, or others more often?
So whether with your staff, your children or yourself, remember to acknowledge the positive -- the aspects that you appreciate. Embrace the satisfaction that comes from giving in this way.
Wishing you a year of peace, joy and love,
- Trish
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About Trish
Trish Pratt is a professional certified coach and consultant. She is also a certified PaperRoom coach trained in pattern recognition (see www.momentumcoaching.com/paperroom.html for more details). Trish helps managers and other professionals bring their best clarity, communication and leadership to their work. She does this with one-on-one coaching, training/workshops, and through articles she writes. Contact Trish today for a complimentary consultation at: 978-635-0603 or via email at: trish@momentumcoaching.com.
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