Every kind word can change someone’s life.
The other day, I had the opportunity to make a Say Something compliment to someone. The woman at the registration desk at our doctor’s office was very cheerful and it seemed that she liked her job. I thought how delightful she was and then realized I should tell HER, but being an introvert, I didn’t say anything.
I walked away to sit down and immediately regretted my silence. I promised myself that on my way out after the appointment, I would Say Something. It’s hard enough to talk to strangers when we NEED to, but saying something ”unnecessary” is even harder. We don’t HAVE to compliment someone. Or do we?
Let’s make honoring the good things people say and do, how they help us or make us feel good, a NECESSITY. On my way out, I pointed at a vase of fabric sunflowers with a sign reading “Sunflower state of mind” and said, “This is appropriate for you, because you are a ray of sunshine!”. She was thrilled and so was I.
Make the world a better place. Spread kindness.
Help build a network of kindness this Valentines Day.
Have you ever thought, “I really like being around that person” or “That salesperson is so helpful, it makes me want to shop here”?
A simple compliment goes a long way
We have a lot of these grateful thoughts, but we don’t always say them out loud. BUT…..what if that salesperson or that friend is having a tough day? A simple compliment could help them feel worthwhile, important, and valued!
Science proves it!
Dr. Xuan Zhao at Stanford University and others have done experiments that show that not only do people underestimate the positive impact of compliments, but we tend to think that people won’t appreciate multiple compliments. In fact, continued expressions of appreciation and gratitude help people feel included and honored.
How to give good compliments
We started The Say Something Project to encourage people to express compliments often and spread kindness that uplifts people. You just need a Say Something Statement!
How to make a Say Something Statement
It’s easy:
1. Find someone you want to express gratitude to, someone who does something nice for you or someone who makes the world better.
2. Say what you’re thinking.
3. Make it specific to that person and what they say or do.
4. Don’t worry about articulating it perfectly. The recipient will love whatever you say!
Examples
● Grocery clerk: Thanks for always helping me pack my bags!
● Coworker: That graph you showed was a brilliant way to get your point across.
● Pastor: Your sermons always give me something to think about when I get home.
● Grandma: It’s amazing how you know how to sew buttons back on!
● Friend: You always make such insightful comments in Book Club!
● Anyone: You handled that difficult situation particularly well.
Check out these resources
Dr. Xuan Zhao research
Why we don’t dole out many compliments – but we should
Why a Simple Act of Kindness Is Not as Simple as It Seems: Underestimating Article the
Positive Impact of Our Compliments on Others