Few are as quick to compliment as they are to criticize. There is nothing more simple, easy and free than a genuinely shared compliment to show appreciation for another.

If we are centered only on ourselves, we are quick to criticize. If we are centered on others, we are more prone to compliment. In relational balance, to be centered on others will lead to a much fuller existence than to largely think only of yourself. As Michael Dole noted, “pay with compliments and you will always be wealthy.

Apply this lesson today: act to compliment another a mere five times today. If those you share appreciation for look at you surprised, you may need some more work on your approach or you may simply need to compliment more often. Learn from this experience and apply again tomorrow.

A continuous learning practice of centering on others is the better and more significant way. A great compliment serves you as well, there are few better feelings than to have helped another through their day by sharing an appreciation of them.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — Leo Buscaglia —

MITM