What a positive way to begin the month of March with World Compliment Day. How are you celebrating it?
Are you going to say,
"Oh, wow. You look fantastic! You look so much slimmer!"
"Is that a new hairdo? Looks great on you!"
"Your skin is positively glowing today!"
"You inspire me"
And why should you compliment someone? LifeHacks.org offers 7 reasons, which are:
7. It takes the focus off you
6.Smiling burns calories
5. Compliments sparkcreativity
4.Kindness doesn't actually kill
3. Sincere compliments buildtrust
2. What goes around, comes around
1. Compliments are FREE!
Those are good enough reasons for me.
To quote World Compliment Day website:
'World Compliment Day' simply addresses the basic human need for recognition and appreciation. Nobody wins commercially, but everybody gains emotionally. And therein lies its power.
March 1st is just about consciously reflecting on what someone in your area does well and letting that person know he/she is sincerely appreciated for that. It should be done through words instead of gifts. "A sincere and personal compliment costs nothing, but the impact on the recipient is huge," says Hans Poortvliet, recognition professional and the driving force behind the annual event in the Netherlands. "Nothing stimulates more, gives more energy, makes people happier and, as far as business is concerned, increases productivity and commitment faster than sincere appreciation. So why not use it a little bit more?"
I have plans for today!
- I have to go finish some grocery shopping, so in addition to thanking them for what they do, I'll be sure to tell them what a fabulous job they do, especially to the supervisors.
- En route, I'll meet my veggie woman, who is so sweet to all her "customers". She remembers something special about everyone and is great at recommending what they might need even before they start telling her. Now that's proactive selling! I'll compliment her to tell her what a great business woman she is.
- As I walk home, I'll compliment the "pourakarmika" who keeps our street clean. She's smart and she's an expert at knowing when is the best time to sweep the place so it stays clean. She's also tech-savvy and uses a mobile phone to interact with people in the area.
- There's Seva Sadan, my favorite welfare home that takes care of 100+ girls. I'll be complimenting them about the great work they do and taking them a couple of things to show my appreciation.
- Closer home, I have the security guards and the lady-workers who take care of garbage collection and cleaning - I have bags of goodies packed for them to show them I care.
- I have a bag of large kitchen containers for my physiotherapist as a way of showing thanks and complimenting her on speeding up my recovery.
- And of course, my own folks at home - I have to compliment them on what great folks they are!
- When I sit at my computer, I plan to log in to LinkedIn to "Endorse" my connections for their skills
- Why I'll even visit Facebook and "like" some updates
You have to agree that compliments make our day! Especially if the person matters, but even from a stranger? It feels good, doesn't it? Just take care to ensure that you put feeling into your compliment and mean it, or it will lose its power. Also, when someone pays you a compliment, accept it graciously with a "thank you". Don't brush it off, or you'll break the giver's heart.
Just imagine infusing the world with a wave of positivity by just appreciating something about someone! Go for it! It only takes a few words!
Take action!
Compliment people you usually do not compliment. Notice everyone around you. It is okay to compliment a total stranger - who knows, your words might be just what they need today!
And you know what? You are awesome!
Now go compliment someone!
Happy World Compliment Day to you - because YOU are awesome!