Years ago, while scrolling through Facebook, I read something posted by Sarah Peck. And I’ve never forgotten it.
Sarah is one of the most encouraging people I know online and she always makes me smile. Her post was a simple, life-changing thought:
“Facebook ‘likes’ are free. It doesn’t cost you anything to hand them out. So go for it.”
Sarah was offering a quick commentary on how we use Facebook. It doesn’t cost anything to click “like” on somebody’s photo, status update, or new Group page. So do it. I mean, why not? Be an encouragement to someone by clicking the like button (and now the “love” or “wow” button). You’re already scrolling through Facebook anyway.
Her simple post changed how I use Facebook. I used to just scroll and scan, but now I click “like.” It’s a simple way to tell somebody that you noticed them. The same principle applies to Instagram and Twitter and Snapchat and Youtube.
It also applies to podcasts and books and apps. In fact, one of the most important things you can do for a podcaster, author, or app developer is leave a positive review on their product. That’s why, if you interact at all online, you have almost certainly been asked to leave a review. Those are important—and again, totally free to hand out.
If you enjoy a podcast or new app, leave a positive review. If you read a good book, leave a 5-star review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. If you read a blog post, leave a comment or share it. These simple actions cost nothing, take only seconds to complete, and provide valuable encouragement to the author/creator. It’s a simple act with a huge impact.
And in an Internet world with so much negativity, shouldn’t we be passing out as much positivity as possible? (tweet that)
Of course, Sarah’s advice extends far beyond social media. Perhaps, even more importantly, her thoughts extend to our in-person relationships as well.
Compliments are free. It costs us literally nothing to use kind words. So why not use them as much as possible?
It’s nice to receive long, thoughtful, drawn-out compliments, but not every kind word needs to be this way. Sometimes just one short sentence can be enough to change the entire course of somebody’s day:
- “You did a good job.”
- “It’s nice to see you.”
- “That’s really funny.”
- “You are so thoughtful.”
- “You are one of the kindest people I know.”
- “I’m glad I get to work with you.”
- “You look really nice today.”
- “You always brighten my day.”
- “I’m proud of you son.”
Each of these compliments take only seconds. And they don’t cost anything to hand out. So just go for it.
In a world full of negativity, everybody can use a little more positivity in their lives.
Besides, you are a beautiful person. And a compliment from you would mean more than you know.
Glenda Bernard says
Just what I needed to hear! Thank you, beautiful person. Glenda
Tracy Barnett says
Thanks for passing on your wisdom. So simple, but so effective.
Srividya says
This is just too beautiful in its sheer simplicity. Thank you!
Tony W says
I once read a quote that said “hurt people, hurt people”. I just realized the opposite can be true ;-)
Suzanne says
You’re absolutely right, so let’s do it right away: thnx again for an inspiring post!
Simi says
Love that quote about Facebook likes, I’m now going to go like crazy, to make someone’s day!
http://www.whiitelist.com
Marion Dunn says
Thanks for your email, it is right on!! I am just starting to de-clutter and simplify my life. You have inspired me to get rid of stuff I haven’t used for a very long time. I have a long way to go but I feel confident that I will succeed. Thanks again!!
The Practical Saver says
I totally agree with your statement. Even a a few words of complements can make a big difference. Whwnver I do something and post it on social media, I get responses, some are brief and some are long
But regardless of their lengths, their complements just mAke my day. No matter how much of little I put in in my post, when I get a complements, I become so much happier. It rally doesn’t take to pay a complement to others.
Sharon McCarthy says
Thanks so much. We all know how we feel when someone complements us; why not let others have that feeling as well. As you said, it costs nothing, yet some of us hoard our complements as if they were too precious to give away. They are precious, but only IF we give them away.
Tracey says
Wow! I just had the most amazing moment of synchronicity! I was looking at the post-its that I have taped to my computer monitor: “Compliment” and “Appreciation Changes Everything” and thinking that I need to re-dedicate myself to doing more of both in my day to day workday. And then I opened your email. Thanks for the boost and reminder!!