4 Tips to Make Someone's Day

"The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjusts the sails."
- John Maxwell


4 Tips to Make Someone's Day
 by Jason Gracia
Paying someone a compliment is an excellent way to brighten someone's day, not to mention your own. To make sure it has that effect, follow the following tips, and you'll be making others smile from ear to ear.

1. BE SINCERE
Most people can tell when you are talking from the heart. Insincere praise not only fails to motivate, it may even backfire. What was supposed to be a compliment, may end up making someone feel worse off than they were to begin with.

2. MAKE IT PERSONAL
Having someone else deliver your message isn't the way to go. When you tell someone face to face, or write them a personal letter, you have done two things for them.

First, you paid them a sincere compliment. This alone will make them feel great. Second, you took time to do it. This will make them feel important, and remind them that they are appreciated and needed.

3. QUICK RESPONSE
When you catch someone doing something great, be sure to tell them right away. Waiting several days or weeks will lessen the effect. When you see something that deserves praise, be quick to act, and...

4. BE SPECIFIC
Great job! You're the best! Keep it up! These are common calls of want-to-be praisers, but words have little meaning. If you really want you words to have an effect, be specific.

A small compliment, when personal, quick, specific, and sincere, can go a long way to making someone's day!