Purpose · 2 min read
Say the encouragement out loud
You may see effort in someone that they cannot see clearly in themselves. Tell them what you noticed. Name the preparation, persistence or kindness that impressed you. Honest encouragement gives a person something real to stand on. Do not leave every good thing you see unspoken.
Someone around you may be working hard without knowing whether any of it reaches another person. They keep practicing, caring for someone or trying to handle a difficult responsibility better. You notice the effort and think well of them. Let that thought travel the remaining distance. Give them the words while those words can still help.
Specific encouragement has something solid inside it. Describe the way they stayed patient during a demanding conversation. Mention the improvement you heard in their playing. Thank them for following through when the task became inconvenient. The detail tells them you were paying attention. It gives your encouragement a foundation beyond a quick compliment.
You do not have to promise that everything will work out. You can acknowledge that the road is difficult and still express confidence in the effort you have actually seen. Ask what support would be useful. Sometimes the strongest encouragement includes practical help: listening to a rehearsal, sharing a resource or being present for the next attempt.
Be generous without making the other person responsible for performing gratitude or agreeing with your assessment. Offer the words sincerely and leave room for their experience. Then keep looking for the good people are putting into the world. A friend, a child, a colleague or a stranger doing their work with care may benefit from hearing that it mattered. You have a voice. Use some of its strength to help someone keep going.
Notice the effort. Give it a voice.
About this piece
Original STUDmotivation writing; everyday examples are illustrative.
Written to encourage worthwhile effort and positive action. Our approach and sources.