en·cour·age·ment: noun – the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
Synonyms: heartening, cheering up, inspiration, motivation<
*persuasion to do or to continue something.
*incentives and encouragement to play sports
*the act of trying to stimulate the development of an activity, state, or belief.
You may disagree, but we are not encouragers. I believe it is human nature to avoid encouraging others.
So, what do I mean?
Many times throughout the week, I run into many people who appear to be “non-encouragers.” They are not interested in spurring someone on or motivating others. But many of us are like that. We do not like encouraging others for many reasons. Three very common ones are listed below:
1. It takes effort. Sometimes we would need to “go out of our way” to encourage someone. Sometimes we are very tired. Whatever the reason may be, there is the effort behind it that needs to take place. Many of us don’t want to take that extra step when it comes to our friends, family, church members, etc.
2. It can be personal. We don’t always want to know what others are going through. “It’s none of my business,” we say to ourselves. There maybe a feeling that if something were to be said, the other person would construe that as an intrusion into their personal lives. And we don’t want them to think we are intruding.
3. We don’t care. There are many people who really don’t care about other people. You can find these people everywhere – work, church, social gatherings, sports events… You get the idea. These people are very egocentric (thinking only of oneself, without regard for the feelings or desires of others; self-centered).
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Zig Ziglar once said that, “When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you’re making a commitment and difference in that person’s life. Encouragement does make a difference.” Unfortunately, many people don’t understand this concept. Encouraging others does so much for the encourager and the “encouragee.” If only more church leaders, business people, directors, managers, owners, and others in leadership positions realized the need and the benefit for encouragement. As Celeste Holm said, ” We live by encouragement and die without it – slowly, sadly, and angrily.” So true.
But how do I become an encourager? After reading many articles about this topic (and finding MANY lists), I am going to offer only 5 suggestions. They are not exhaustive in any way, but they can get a person started on that path.
- Encourage even the smallest effort.
- Stop finding fault with the wrong and applaud the right.
- Make positive comments.
- Notice when someone does something good.
- Keep it honest, keep it real.
Start being an encourager. And if you are doing that, keep it up. You are truly the real motivators and your efforts are not in vain.
I look forward to your comments on this issue.