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.
Ashwini says
Thankyou ? …. This post will certainly change the way I use social media. It made my days .,
Keep up the good work
Gabriel says
Thanks for sharing. Very good reminder!
Allison says
Seems like a good post for me to say thank you to you: I’ve enjoyed your blog since discovering it several months ago. I have been encouraged and have enjoyed thinking through many topics and ideas you share. Thank you for proposing new ways to think and to live. Your posts and guest posts have challenged and encouraged me. Many thanks.
Samantha le Roux says
Every evening when I say goodnight to my son, I leave him with the words “I am so lucky God chose me to be your mom”. He always closes his eyes with a smile. I believe compliments and saying positive things to your children, family and even strangers you have never met needs to be said daily – they must however be genuine.
Agnes says
thank you
Michelle Celin says
That is so true, if you already spend so much time on Social Media, why would you just notice everything but ignore it at the same time… While I’m not hunting for likes, of course, I press the Like-Button on other peoples’ pictures or quotes more often now because I think it’s so easy.
Funny thing about compliments or nice words though: I adopted the habit of wishing cashiers and the like a nice day because for some reason, here in Germany, it’s not that common (noticed that because they look at me like I’m crazy at first, then they’re kind of happy). We should include more kindness in different ways in our daily lives!
Greets!
Mary says
I’m new to the blog, via Pete Dunn’s podcast. The initial message has convinced me to buy thr book, so nice job! I’m very curious to see if the book can identify good starting points and chart a path to minimalism – and how to deal with a spouse who’s a packrat.
Grace says
Hey Joshua, you did a good job.
mary in Texas says
I believe in complimenting people on facebook and face-to-face. I’ve complimented (very sincerely) perfect strangers in the grocery store on how they looked or something they did. Often I see them a little later and see that they are still smiling. A sincere compliment is a free gift to a friend or to a stranger.
Bob Pepe says
I have done the same thing and the response ranges from very happy to them looking at me like I am about to rob them. It is sad to that people hear a compliment and their first thought is that the person has bad intentions.
I guess that is America in 2016
Debbie M says
I try to do they same, I’ll compliment them on a pr of shoes I think are really nice, or their hair, clothing anything. It always brings a smile and a thank you and I swear A lighter step as they walk away. I ALWAYS THANK my cashier and wish them a good day, some will say
“ I needed that”
Emma says
Thank you Joshua and the Becoming Minimalist team. I’m going to ‘like’ it forward and spread this happiness bug.