Did you have big dreams growing up?
If so, did someone empower and inspire you to reach your dreams? Who was on your support team?
Do you know a young person who aspires to compete in the Olympics, reach millions on YouTube, create a great work of art, write a best seller, become President or a great leader, or… (fill in the blank)?
Do you empower and inspire others? And not just the young people in your life, all others.
Whether our dreams seem like long shots or relatively achievable, we need to be empowered and inspired to work toward them.
How can you empower and inspire others?
Let’s begin by reviewing what it means to empower and inspire.
To empower another is to help them “have the knowledge, confidence, means, or ability to do things or make decisions for oneself.” (Merriam Webster) When someone is empowered, they have freedom, autonomy, and self-determination.
To inspire is “to motivate, influence, draw forth, or bring out.” (Merriam Webster) “Inspire comes from the Latin word that means to inflame or to blow in to. When you inspire something, it is as if you are blowing air over a low flame to make it grow.” (Vocabulary.com)
Put together, to empower and inspire is to motivate or influence others to gain the knowledge and confidence to achieve their goals and dreams and overcome the obstacles that get in the way.
How? Learn the art of effective encouragement.
The actions needed to empower and inspire others may take many forms, but all will involve the act of encouragement.
To encourage others is to “inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; to persuade; to spur on or stimulate; and to give help or to foster.” (Merriam Webster)
Encouragement is most effective when you…
Observe and listen well
…to understand another’s fears and frustrations as well as their aspirations. This prepares you to provide the support and encouragement they want and need. Need help in listening? Learn the art of listening.
Choose words that are positive and uplifting
…to overcome the negative and discouraging thoughts and self-talk that stymie progress. Whether your words are spoken or written, choose them well. Choose words that lift up rather than tear down.
Give honest and sincere praise
…that is specific rather than vague and focused on effort and learning, not only the big achievements.
Need help giving positive and productive feedback (AKA encouragement)? Check out these posts:
Express encouragement often and in many ways
…a smile, a touch, being present, listening, demonstrating empathy, providing assistance, writing a note, sending a text, making a phone call, giving a celebratory high-five or thumbs up, leaving congratulatory comments and emojis, and so much more.
Did you know that writing notes of gratitude helps both you and others?
What encourages you? Pass it on.
The world needs your encouragement.
Struggles with emotional health and generalized apathy are increasingly prevalent in all age groups and cultures, meaning they are common in your neighborhood, your workplace, your schools, and possibly your home.
People are discouraged and lacking in motivation. You can help.
Encouraging others requires no money, no advanced degrees, knowledge, or skillset, and the more frequently given the greater the reward to both giver and receiver.
Who can you encourage today? How can you encourage them?
“Encouragement is like water to the soul, it makes everything grow.” ~ Chris Burkmenn
If you like this content, please share it:
댓글