The Power of Encouragement
Encouragement comes in many forms. Sometimes it is a kind word of support. Other times, it is a challenge to push ourselves beyond what we think we can accomplish. In either case, encouragement can make a meaningful difference in someone’s confidence, performance, and growth.
As you may have noticed, I often find inspiration for my blog in ordinary, everyday experiences. This past week, two situations at the gym reminded me of the power of encouragement.
Every Monday, our gym offers a Workout of the Month, which is always particularly challenging (which is the point). During this week’s workout, I set a stretch goal for myself. I also encouraged a teammate to pursue that same goal, completing eight rounds of the workout. I knew she was capable of doing it, even though it would require her to push herself.
Later in the week, the roles were reversed. We were doing an exercise with medicine balls when a fellow teammate looked at the weight I had selected and said, “Girl, you are stronger than that!”
She was right. I could lift more weight, and she knew it.
What struck me about these two experiences was that neither challenge was unrealistic. We weren’t encouraging each other to do something beyond our capabilities. Rather, we recognized potential in one another and took the opportunity to encourage each other to reach a little higher.
Sometimes, encouragement means believing in someone’s abilities enough to challenge them.
But encouragement doesn’t always involve pushing someone toward a bigger goal.
Recently, someone called me after having a particularly difficult day at work. She was frustrated and discouraged, and her feelings were justified.
My first response wasn’t to offer advice or tell her what she should do differently. I listened. I acknowledged her feelings and gave her the opportunity to talk through what had happened. Then I offered encouragement.
Based on my own experiences, I reassured her that things would get better. I reminded her that difficult situations, while uncomfortable, provide opportunities to learn and grow. With time, she would become more resilient and better equipped to navigate similar challenges in the future.
In that moment, she didn’t need someone to challenge her to do more. She needed someone to listen, support her and remind her of her ability to persevere.
Both situations reminded me that effective encouragement starts with paying attention to the person in front of us. Think about the people you work with.
Is there someone who is capable of more but needs a little encouragement to pursue a challenging goal? By expressing your confidence in their abilities, you may give them the courage to stretch beyond their comfort zone. You are also strengthening your relationship by demonstrating that you believe in them.
Or perhaps someone is struggling. They may be experiencing pressure at work or dealing with personal challenges that are affecting their confidence or performance. Could they benefit from someone who simply listens, acknowledges what they are experiencing and reminds them of their strengths?
Encouragement takes intention and effort. We have to look beyond ourselves and recognize opportunities to lift others up. But the payoff can be tremendous. Encouragement builds confidence, strengthens relationships, fosters resilience, and inspires growth.
The question is simple: Who needs your encouragement today, and what kind of encouragement do they need?