“There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” – Mother Theresa

It may seem simplistic but in an increasingly love-starved world small gestures have the power to change your life. Regardless of our position in the social pecking order each one of us secretly longs to be seen and valued for who we are. An act of appreciation, that comes from a sincere emotional place accomplishes that and forges a bond.

All too often we look for material ways to motivate those around us. We tell ourselves that they are looking for more benefits, a raise, an expensive vacation, new clothes, the latest games. Yet, this is rarely the case. Indeed, studies have consistently shown that for the past 60 years managers have failed to realize that the key to employee retention lies in that free intangible “appreciation”.

For Faizah Assad-Perry M.D., a Houston-based heart surgeon, it is the little gestures of appreciation from her patients which keep her passion for her vocation alive. She recollects visiting an elderly gentleman after his surgery. “He reached out his frail hand to me and said… I feel so much better. I may live to be 100 now. Thank you. i dont know.. just the gratitude I felt in his voice and saw in his eyes. How he said he would live to be hundred and to know that no matter how long he held on to life that he recognized that my work had improved the quality of his life…”

Is it any coincidence that the word appreciate also means “to increase in value”? I think not, for every time we show a person that we appreciate them, even for the simplest of acts, a connection is formed. A connection that increases in value with each subsequent act of appreciation. The French philosopher Voltaire once stated “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” Indeed for Assad-Perry these shared moments between her and her patients make the long hours and stress more than worthwhile. “They give me hope that I am truly appreciated and that my work is not in vain and only about getting paid.. but that I am truly making a difference.”

With this knowledge it becomes simple to see how we can begin to create a turnaround in those areas of our personal and professional lives where a lack may be perceived. Let’s all resolve to create opportunities to show and receive appreciation!

Begin by asking yourself the following:

• How am I showing my loved ones that I appreciate them?
• How am I showing my boss/coworkers/employees that I appreciate them?
• How am I showing my customers that I appreciate them?
• How am I showing my vendors that I appreciate them?

Now think of 1 way that you can show appreciation to 3 of the categories listed above over the next 7 days.

Be sure to not just leave them on paper though. Make appreciation a part of your daily life and the rewards are sure to surprise you!