“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me, and I may be forced to love you.”
–William Arthur Ward.
More than a 100 articles, poems, and meditations written by W. A. Ward have appeared in such magazines as Reader’s Digest, and many more (Source: Wikipedia.) Talking about human interaction with each other, the author explains the reality surrounding our specific gestures.
Encouragement is yet another name for motivation that propels us towards our goal with added vigor.
Of course, we all know flattery has never taken anyone far. Criticizing others is definitely a no-no, and especially so for those keen to maintain a balance in relationships. Encouragement is yet another name for motivation that propels us towards our goal with added vigor. After all the above attributes of human nature, the author puts a ‘maybe’ before us when it comes to ‘love.’ How can you force someone to return a gesture of love in the same spirit? It is not possible, and that is why there is a big question mark. Unconditional love is perhaps the only gesture that may beget us a similar reaction, not a carnal desire, or an artificial show that hides a motive underneath.
So long as we have the intent to accomplish some goal, combined with the necessary ability to meet its obligations as we progress, a little dose of motivation goes a long way. It gives us comfort to know that someone else not only believes in our mission but in our ability too. This psychological support acts as the fertilizer that helps in the germination of our seeds of ability to meet the challenge.
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” -Lou Holtz. “Louis Leo Holtz is a former American football player, coach, and analyst.”
“He is the only coach ever to lead six teams to postseason bowl games: William & Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina. He’s also the only coach to have four different programs (all but William & Mary and Minnesota) finish the season ranked in the top 20.” Source
On our journey from an intent to the accomplishment of a specific task, the ability undergoes a transformation when aided by motivation. Of course, our attitude plays a crucial role, no doubt. What matters most, in almost every case of outstanding achievements is the amount of motivational support one received at the initial stage. This is what helps us reaffirm our already positive, as well as progressive attitude. The non-believers can find confirmation of the above statement in all the indisputable accomplishments of the renowned coach, Lou Holtz.
“Enduring setbacks while maintaining the ability to show others the way to go forward is a true test of leadership.” –Nitin Nohria. He “is an Indian-born American academic. He serves as the tenth and the current dean of Harvard Business School. He is also the George F. Baker Professor of Administration.”
Dear readers, please allow me to ask how many individuals you know that achieved great success in life without any failures, setbacks, and/or challenges. I am confident the answer will be in the negative. However, we also cannot deny the fact that these very individuals also continue to rise to leadership positions despite the hardships, right.
The question comes to mind how failures could bring us to the cusp of not only success but also leadership. The answer lies in the above quote from Nitin. These leaders never failed to give encouragement when and where someone needed it. Our ability ‘to show others the way to go forward is’ by and within itself one of the strongest attributes of motivational conduct.
“I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.” –Charles M. Schwab. He “was an American steel magnate. Under his leadership, Bethlehem Steel became the second largest steel maker in the United States, and one of the most important heavy manufacturers in the world.”
The ‘ability to arouse enthusiasm among men’ is perhaps one of the first qualifying marks for any decent, respectable individual anywhere. No matter what occupation you pursue, there is always a need for interaction with others, whether regularly or occasionally. It is during this act of communication we come face-to-face with each other’s difficulties, challenges, and/or problems.
Soon human nature comes into play, we either offer advice or seek the same in the hope of finding a solution. In most cases, a simple gesture of support is enough to provide the necessary dose of motivation towards the next step. Little wonder then that the above steel magnate used the tools of appreciation and encouragement to attain the coveted position.
“Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.” -Bo Bennett.
“Robert (Bo) Bennett is a businessman, author, programmer, philanthropist, martial artist, motivational speaker, amateur comedian, and most of all a husband and a father devoted to improving the lives of others. He is a graduate of Bryant College with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. By age 10, Bo started listening to and reading personal development tapes and books. Twenty years and hundreds of books later he is considered by many to be one of the leading experts on success.”
Considering the above quote, we understand that no amount of creativity can be self-sustaining without the necessary enthusiasm interspersed with inspiration, and motivation.
“Be miserable, or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” -Wayne Dyer. “Wayne Walter Dyer was an American philosopher, self-help author, and a motivational speaker. His first book, Your Erroneous Zones, is one of the best-selling books of all time, with an estimated 35 million copies sold to date.”
TRY IT, WHO KNOWS YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!
