Create a Kinder World

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Say Something Nice

Compliments. It is a simple word and a simple concept, but one that many people have trouble with. They find it difficult to give a compliment and even harder to accept one.

Compliments are powerful relationship building tools and that in of itself is an excellent reason to master the skill. But there is a bigger, more compelling reason to offer a compliment, it makes you feel good. You are connecting with another person. Offering a compliment is a simple skill that can change the way you view yourself and the world around you.

Why Offer Compliments?

The Answer is Simple:

It strengthens your relationships.

It boosts your self-esteem.

It increases your self-confidence.

It makes you feel good.

How does it work?

Every time you give a compliment, you are focused on the other person. You are actively looking for positive traits rather than focusing on the negative. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. I agree, yet I don't. If you truly look, you will find something positive to say. Look for ways to boost the spirits of those with whom you meet. Greet people with a smile. Acknowledge them and make their day brighter by saying something nice. Make it a habit and you will see the world in a different light. Develop the skill. Let it spill over into other facets of your life. The cloud of doom will lift. The obstacles that blocked your path yesterday just may become the possibilities of today.

Smile!

When offering a compliment, using the person's name adds to the effectiveness. Call the person by name and follow it with a smile. "Jenny, you wrote a wonderful story. It touched my heart."

Create a Booster Club of One.

Giving a morale boost to others is great and it makes us feel good as well, unfortunately changing bad habits, like focusing on the negative, takes time and effort. It won't happen overnight. It takes practice.

Practice!

Practice!

Practice!

With a little effort you can turn that frown into a smile. If you're having trouble coming up with something nice to say, listed below are a few praises to practice with. And if you're afraid to practice on a real person, I'm sure your dog would benefit from a compliment or two.

Compliments from Awesome to Zest.

Important!

At-A-Boy! That's the way to do it!
You did an awesome job on the project.
You are amazing!

What a beautiful picture!

You care, and that makes a difference.
I knew you were capable of doing it.

Beacons of Light

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Be a Beacon of Light!

Attitudes of Gratitude

Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Everyday of Your Life

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Be thankful and don't be afraid to say it.

Important!

Your dedication is appreciated.
You have a delightful sense of humor.

Your energy and enthusiasm are contageous.

You tell a fascinating story.
Your presentation was fantastic.
Mona

Is Your Smile Famous?

Important!

What a gallant offer!
You are a gifted singer.
I commend your generosity.

Hello! I'm glad you're here.
You have been very helpful.

The Power of Attitude

The Power of Attitude

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Attitude Makes a Difference!

Important!

I owe you an apology. I apoplgize.
I can always count on you.
I like being around you.
I like you.
I miss you.
I love you.

Lord, Change my Attitude

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You can change your attitude.

Important!

We would love it if you would join us.

What a keen observation!
You are so kind.

You are loyal and I appreciate it.

You have the magic touch.

What a neat idea! Thank you.
Important!

Thank you for being open to new ideas.

Your patience is appreciated.

That was quite a presentation. Good job!

You are so right!

You are a savvy competitor.

Thank you.

It's All a Matter of Attitude

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Important!

Your understanding made all the difference in the world.

Your valiant sacrifice paid off.

Way to go!
What a nice gesture!
It was a wonderful presentation.
You are a winner!

You brighten my day!

I love your zest for life.

Do compliments make a difference?

Have you ever received a compliment that spurred you on when you were on the verge of giving up?

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Yes. It was a pivotal point in my life.

howards522 says:

Yes they are amazing! I love complimenting strangers! And making them smile!

dannystaple says:

Definitely. If you are at a low point, then a compliment can give you the energy to keep going, to realise it was worth bothering.

thebarefootwriter says:

Absolutely. People that don't give compliments either have no goodness or not life at all inside them.

myshelle01 says:

Even just a thank you makes me happy,lovely lens

Bella_Stella says:

Yes, I still rememer such a moment that did change my life! This is a pleasant lens. Thank you for sharing it with us!

No. Compliments make me feel all warm and fuzzy, but they have little impact on my goals and dreams.

bejeezers says:

Absolutely. Encouragement is always a great spur to better things.

TheAngelLadies says:

No, but we have received many that gave us a new shot of confidence when we needed it badly!

The_Idea_Gal says:

No, because I don't believe in giving up...just moving on with my personal goals. However, compliments about my integrity, values and kindness mean something to me. Compliments about things like driving a nice car or wearing an expensive piece of jewelry don't have as much value.

KarateKatGraphics says:

I'm usually too stubborn to give up on something I really care about, lol, but like some of the others said, it's super therapeutic for me to *give* sincere compliments. Accepting compliments is a skill I'm still learning. All it takes is a smile and "thanks," right? Doesn't seem that hard...but sometimes it is!

tweety0126 says:

Your lens is great, love the photos. Compliants do go a long way in making a person's day a little brighter. I've received them at times when I really needed some encouragement. I've also given friends compliants when they've needed them and I didn't know until they say, "you don't know how much I needed that today".

tweety0126

 
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Try It!

Try handing out compliments instead of criticism for a day, a week, or even a month. See if it changes your attitude and the attitude of the people around you. I'm willing to bet that the world around you will be a little brighter. You may even find a reason to smile.

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100% of the proceeds from this lens go to the Squidoo Charity Fund. Creating a Kinder World also means offering a helping hand to those in need. We all need to do our part to make the world a better place for everyone.

Offer a Helping Hand

The Squidoo Charity Fund has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. Thanks to the Squidoo community, we've built schools in Cambodia, given underprivileged classrooms computers and software, funded important reseach against Juvenile Diabetes

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About the Author

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ElizabethJeanAllen

I tell my students to Learn from the Past, Live in the Present, and Plan for the Future. With Squidoo I can do all three.
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