I know I got your attention with those 4 simple yet powerful words. Take a moment and say that sentence, get a feel for how it feels to say that. Now go find a mirror, and look yourself in the eyes and say it to you. Say it again this time with more sincerity - not just in passing. Don't add anything, no comments, no nothing else just say I'm Proud Of You.
See how powerfully this simple sentence affects you when you read it, say it, see it being said?
OK when was the last time you said it to someone? When was the last time you said it to your children, How about your spouse? My wife said this simple sentence to me yesterday, and her words still echo in my memory.
If your not sure when the last time was . . .it's been to long.
I'm in Santa Clara, it's a Friday 5:00am , I'm at Ernie Reyes school on El Camino, I've just finishing my testing for 5th Degree and am on the deck standing in front of the judges. I'm sweaty, breathing heavy, but composed. Tom Callos says to the 27 UBBT members watching me test "I am so proud of this guy, you don't even know . . . ". That was over 4 years ago and it's still etched in my brain.
"Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not ever forget you."
– William Arthur Ward
If you’re using this simple little sentence regularly you are creating ties that bind people together forever. The kind of bond other people don't understand or believe exist.
One of the greatest gifts you can give people is to show appreciation for something they have done. You are thereby giving them support, which often is all they need to keep them on the path they have chosen.
How often have you had someone come up and ask you for encouragement? Most of the time we have no way of knowing when someone needs a little push, a little encouragement, a small sign that they are on the right track.
People don't ask us they ask God, so be his messager.
"Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They're absolutely free and worth a fortune."
– Sam Walton
We all appreciate a sign that what we are doing is good. Why not give it to others freely? All we have to do is think more about the other person than about ourselves.
But be careful. What I am talking about is genuine appreciation – not that empty smile accompanied by empty words. Not the quick sentence said in hast with little focus or sincerety. I'm talking about get their attention, look right at them, from the deepest part of you. . . "I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!", or how about "DO YOU KNOW HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU?"
Taking Action:
Who have you Praised today? Make it a point to start thinking about who you are going to give praise to today. Plan it out, practice it a little, making sure the timing is right so that you have maximum effect and positve results.
Making this part of your day will bring you rewards beyond your ability to understand.
Hey. . . . I AM SO VERY VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!
- Stay Healthy and Strong
