I can’t really emphasize this enough. Appreciation gives the recipient energy, but more importantly, when you give appreciation, that gives you energy. It gives you a moment to think about how much you really know the other person in the first place. For instance, I often write notes to my employees. And if I haven’t, it’s because I know I haven’t had the chance to interact with them enough. But when I do write a meaningful message, I know it affects them positively. Perhaps it is time for you to consider writing notes of appreciation to people you care about or who have an impact on you.

Here are some ideas about how you can begin to express your appreciation to someone else whom you work with or are close to:

  1. Think of the things that this person did for you and how it impacted you.
  2. Think of the things that this person did for someone else and how it impacted you.
  3. Think of what interesting and positive thing that reminds you of this person.

Write honestly and directly about the positive impact this had on you! In fact, as a real exercise, why don’t you start thinking about the first 10 people you want to appreciate and begin to write them notes. Go ahead! You can do it now.