Compliments are Free

Years ago, while scrolling through Facebook, I read something posted by Sarah Peck. And I’ve never forgotten it.

Sarah is one of the most encouraging people I know online and she always makes me smile. Her post was a simple, life-changing thought:

“Facebook ‘likes’ are free. It doesn’t cost you anything to hand them out. So go for it.”

Sarah was offering a quick commentary on how we use Facebook. It doesn’t cost anything to click “like” on somebody’s photo, status update, or new Group page. So do it. I mean, why not? Be an encouragement to someone by clicking the like button (and now the “love” or “wow” button). You’re already scrolling through Facebook anyway.

Her simple post changed how I use Facebook. I used to just scroll and scan, but now I click “like.” It’s a simple way to tell somebody that you noticed them. The same principle applies to Instagram and Twitter and Snapchat and Youtube.

It also applies to podcasts and books and apps. In fact, one of the most important things you can do for a podcaster, author, or app developer is leave a positive review on their product. That’s why, if you interact at all online, you have almost certainly been asked to leave a review. Those are important—and again, totally free to hand out.

If you enjoy a podcast or new app, leave a positive review. If you read a good book, leave a 5-star review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. If you read a blog post, leave a comment or share it. These simple actions cost nothing, take only seconds to complete, and provide valuable encouragement to the author/creator. It’s a simple act with a huge impact.

And in an Internet world with so much negativity, shouldn’t we be passing out as much positivity as possible? (tweet that)

Of course, Sarah’s advice extends far beyond social media. Perhaps, even more importantly, her thoughts extend to our in-person relationships as well.

Compliments are free. It costs us literally nothing to use kind words. So why not use them as much as possible?

It’s nice to receive long, thoughtful, drawn-out compliments, but not every kind word needs to be this way. Sometimes just one short sentence can be enough to change the entire course of somebody’s day:

• “You did a good job.”
• “It’s nice to see you.”
• “That’s really funny.”
• “You are so thoughtful.”
• “You are one of the kindest people I know.”
• “I’m glad I get to work with you.”
• “You look really nice today.”
• “You always brighten my day.”
• “I’m proud of you son.”

Each of these compliments take only seconds. And they don’t cost anything to hand out. So just go for it.

In a world full of negativity, everybody can use a little more positivity in their lives.

Besides, you are a beautiful person. And a compliment from you would mean more than you know.

from Becoming Minimalist http://ift.tt/1U2tafc