How to encourage others

So often these days life moves fast, we are all busy and sometimes get very self-focused. We can get caught up in our own worlds and not stop to notice what others may need. In thinking of how I could do more to help others I kept coming back to the idea of encouragement.

I spend so much of my time encouraging my kids and husband and realised often what I am in need of is someone encouraging me – that feedback that I can do whatever I set my mind to, acknowledgement of a job well done, help through a rough patch. It always means so much to me when someone stops to send me a thoughtful email or meet for a coffee to catch up on my life – connection, being heard, a reassuring word.

I think the easiest way to know how to encourage others is to stop and think about what lifts you up, what motivates you, what can turn around a day or situation for you – and go do that for others in your life.

Inspire and motivate others

Sharing our stories, being honest about life, celebrating when we overcome hurdles. By being transparent with those in our lives (and on our blogs) we can encourage others by inspiring them that they too can overcome, advance and conquer challenges.

Listen and reassure others

Most of us want to be heard more than anything else. We don’t always need answers or someone to fix things, we need someone with a genuine interest to listen with undivided attention. The next time someone comes to you with a problem listen with your ears and heart without being distracted by thoughts of your own problem or a potential solution. Just listen fully and you will encourage someone on their path.

I love this post by Chantelle at Fat Mum Slim as to me it illustrates the power of listening. Stop, be open, listen fully to someone else and you never know what kind of effect you can have on their day or life.

Celebrate others

When you see someone has done something awesome tell them. When I see a friend looking good – new hair or a great outfit I stop to tell them that I noticed. Watch your friend walk away and I bet they will be smiling or have a bounce in their step. If you get great service, in this day and age of terrible customer service, stop and thank the person serving you. Even better – find their boss and tell them, or send an email, fill in that feedback survey, just make sure someone acknowledges this person so they know how they are appreciated.

Assist others

When we are self-focused we worry about how we can get our own stuff done and keep moving forward. When we are other-focused we see ways we can bring others along for the ride – how we can lift them up, promote them, share our knowledge to save them the headaches we endured. We don’t hold that even tighter while they pay their dues, we realise there is enough for everyone. We lift others and grow bigger ourselves. As a blogger – leave a blog comment (especially when you read a good post with no comments on it), promote someone’s post on Facebook or Twitter, link to a relevant post in your own. At work you can help someone cross a looming deadline or share a skill you have. Look in your life at how you can help others and you will find yourself encouraging great things.

How do you encourage others in your life?

Find your simple,

Deb

Since it is Tuesday i will link up with Jess and the wonderful bloggers fro IBOT – a linky that encourages bloggers and readers to check out blogs they might not normally read. Go read and drop a comment or two.

Tagged as: kindness