Help Me To Be An Encouragement To Others

3 Ways to Encourage Others to Be Confident

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Everybody struggles with their confidence levels from time to time. We each have our own unique set of anxieties and insecurities. It doesn’t matter how attractive or unattractive we are, where we went to school or how much money we have in the bank. Everyone has something that makes them feel stressed, unsure of themselves, and generally uncomfortable.

The best thing we as human beings can do for each other is help someone else build up their own confidence. Sometimes all a person needs in order to feel more confident is to know that someone else has confidence in them.

Whether it’s a friend, relative, significant other, coworker, or even mere acquaintance, even the smallest of gestures can do wonders to improve another person’s confidence levels.

These barely scratch the surface, but here are three ways to encourage others to be more confident:

1. Celebrate their wins

Even the smallest ones. Make a point to celebrate every victory with someone. Your friend aced a test, rocked a term paper, or made a killer presentation at work? Tell them how awesome you think that is.

Vocalize the factors that led to their successes and helped them get their win. If it was a long road to victory, make sure they know that it was their hard work that paid off.

This will help them feel more confident going into future, similar situations in the future.

Make a point to say things : “Congratulations on nailing that presentation! You worked really hard on it and it paid off. That’s awesome and I’m really proud of you. Now let’s go celebrate!”

[clickToTweet tweet=”Help others to celebrate their small wins.” quote=”Help others to celebrate their small wins.”]

2. Compliment them often.

Now, I’m not talking about insincere compliments or small forms of flattery. As with the first situation I mentioned, it’s important to make sure you are freely and openly complimenting people as often as possible on the things they are doing well.

If you know someone who you think is a great writer, make sure they know how much you their writing. People tend to be highly critical of themselves, way more than others are of them in comparison, so it’s important to express appreciation and admiration for what they are doing.

Make a point to say things : “I just read that thing you posted. It was so well written! You have such a talent for this kind of thing. Keep up the awesome work!”

[clickToTweet tweet=”A genuine compliment goes a long way to inspire confidence in others.” quote=”A genuine compliment goes a long way to inspire confidence in others.”]

3. Listen to learn

This one is perhaps the most important of the three ways to encourage others to be more confident. If someone shares a personal story, anecdote, or secret with you about something they feel confident or insecure about, take the time to actively listen: affirm what you hear and ask questions to get a complete understanding of the situation.

Know that someone may tell you something that may not seem a huge deal to you, but it could be that person’s entire world. Their insecurities and anxieties may be creeping in and causing a lack of confidence. The rationale behind what they are thinking or feeling could very well be driven by deep-seated fears and in some cases, depression.

Only once you begin to understand the root cause of the issue can you begin to address their concerns with a deeper, more enlightened understanding. And only then will you be able to offer better advice and begin to instill a greater confidence in them.

Make a point to say things : “I know you’re feeling nervous about this presentation because public speaking makes you feel anxious, and because you’re afraid you will make a mistake in front of your peers.

Just know that we all feel super nervous about presenting, and if you do make a mistake, I’ll be there to support you.

I don’t think that will be an issue, though, because you’ve done all you can do to prepare, and I’m confident that you’re going to rock it tomorrow!”

[clickToTweet tweet=”To encourage confidence, avoid down-talking someone’s fears or insecurities. Simply listen.” quote=”To encourage confidence, avoid down-talking someone’s fears or insecurities. Simply listen.”]

As I said before, there are so many ways to encourage others and instill confidence in them, and these three ways just barely scratch the surface.

As long as you are mindful of the people you encounter, taking the time to openly honor and appreciate them and listen for the root cause of their problems and stressors, you’ll find it easy to fall right into the habit.

It requires very little effort in your part, and even the smallest gestures can go a long way to make someone’s day or pull them a bad mood or deep funk.

[clickToTweet tweet=”3 Ways To Encourage Others To Be Confident” quote=”3 Ways To Encourage Others To Be Confident”]

Tell me, what steps do you take to actively encourage others to be more confident? What do others do to make you feel more confident when the situation is reversed? Tell me in the comment section below!

Источник: //gentwenty.com/encourage-others-to-be-confident/

Encourage People Daily — Be an Encourager

Have you ever known someone who believed in you, someone who frequently spoke words of encouragement and praise? The kind of person who made you feel you could do it, whatever “it” was? That’s the kind of person God wants us to be, people who encourage one another.

Paul gave us a good guideline when he wrote that everything we say should build up the one who is listening.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

I always am encouraged when my wife praises me. This truth came home to me once in a graphic, although silly, way. We used to take our sons to a video arcade, and I often played my favorite game. It soon became obvious that my scores were much higher whenever my wife watched and cheered me on.

The same phenomenon, multiplied by thousands of cheering fans, becomes the home court advantage in sports contests. The book of Proverbs sums up the impact encouraging words can have when it says, “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). Your words have an impact. May this online Bible study encourage you to be an encourager.

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. (Proverbs 10:11)

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. (Acts 15:32)

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith. (1 Thessalonians 3:2)

Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)

Follow God’s example — Encourage other

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. (Psalm 10:17)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:5)

Related: Encourage others with hope and trust in God

Think positively, looking for things to encourage

Do you bring sunshine or gloom into the room? If you are a negative person, don’t say, “I’m just a worrier. I was born that way.” Or, “It’s my nature to be depressed.” God is in the personality-changing business. He wants you to “be conformed to the ness of his Son” (Romans 8:29). You can change. You can become known for your encouraging words.

Life is full of problems, and we need to deal with them. But if we aren’t careful, all we see are the problems. There are lots of good things we can focus on. Instead of “catching people being bad,” catch them being good. Make your words a fountain of life. Be a positive person. Encourage one another.

Ask God to help you develop a positive thought life. Immerse yourself in his Word. Pray.

Over time, you will discover that you can control the way you think, choosing to focus on some thoughts and to reject others. The following verse can be life changing.

Write it out and post it where you will see it regularly, on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or the dashboard of your car.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

When you wake up in the morning, ask God to help you look for and focus on the positive. Pray for this attitude throughout the day. Choose to meditate on the positive. Bring sunshine into the world.

Speak positively, using encouraging words

When you talk, you make a series of choices about what subjects to discuss, what memories to bring up, and what points to make.

There always are negative things you could say, but there also are positive ones. Choose the positive. Choose to specialize in encouraging others, not in critical comments.

As Paul wrote, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).

Related: Encourage Your Spouse

Encourage others daily

Bring friendly speech into your relationships. Don’t start complaining as soon as you see your spouse, child, employee, neighbor or someone else. Ask about his or her day. Give a compliment. Share stories about your day, insights from a Bible study, victories on the job, or other things they may be interested in.

Voice words of encouragement, appreciation, support, and respect

Look for ways to encourage one another. Acknowledge others’ abilities and efforts. If someone feels inadequate, encourage him or her.

Monitor your positive and negative remarks

Learn to be self-aware and listen to what you say. Be sure you make many more positive comments than negative ones.

Respond to problems with hope and encouragement

When someone talks about personal difficulties, do not respond with a “gloom and doom” attitude. Listen with compassion, and avoid simplistic advice. Say something such as, “I know this is a tough time for you, but it won’t last. Let me encourage you: God will see you through, and I’m here to help, too.”

[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Avoid subtle criticisms

Watch out for subtle ways you may tear others down, such as pointing out how quickly you can mow the lawn when you know it takes them twice as long.

Discuss problems as a friend

There are times in every relationship—in a family, on the job, or wherever—when people discuss difficult topics. When you do, speak in a courteous, friendly manner. The way you speak usually is more important than whether your opinions are right or wrong.

Make a plan to encourage others

1. List the key people in your life.
2. Beside each name, write how encouraging you are with that person.
3. Pray for God to help you recognize the power of encouragement and to encourage one another—to say encouraging words, not discouraging words.

Follow through — Encourage others daily

Make it a habit to encourage those around you. Consider keeping track of how you are doing on a day-by-day basis. For example, you could:

1. Make a brief note on a calendar each day you encourage someone.
2. Keep an encouragement journal or diary.

Источник: //www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-biblicalcounselingandmentoring/encouragement-praisesupportencourageandaffirm/

24 Ways To Encourage Others – Giving Encouragement To People

“Most of us,swimming against the tides oftrouble the world knows nothing about,need only a bit of praise or encouragement –

and we will make the goal.”

~ Jerome Fleishman ~

What Is Encouragement?

Definition: ENCOURAGEMENT : something that makes someone feel more supported: something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident

: something that makes someone more ly to do something

Yesterday when I listed the Top 41 Lessons Blogging Teaches About Life And The Ways Blogging Has Changed Me, one of the things I talked about was how I knew I was loved. Feeling loved is powerful…very powerful.

Have you ever heard of times in the news when people did things that seemed impossible? I remember long ago when a boy was trapped under a car and the boy’s mother lifted the car AND pulled the boy out from under it. Sounded absolutely impossible, but it really happened. That was some powerful love.

Love is a powerful emotion that can help people do things they never dreamed they could accomplish.

One of the reasons that I talk so much about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is because when I was being tormented by it, I felt very alone.

It was bad enough teetering between feeling insane or an alien in my own skin, but to also feel lonely and alone was almost more than I could bear.

Because of that terrorizing, agonizing, depressing, scary, unhappy, sad, lonely period of my life, I think it is absolutely necessary for EVERYONE to understand PTSD.

Giving a person with PTSD encouragement helps them hang on and continue to fight the agony they feel. Most of the time it feels impossible to live another minute and the reasons to continue living don’t really feel that important. Encouragement helps a person feel more hopeful.

Even though a person may appear to be perfectly fine, they may actually be hurting inside. That is often true with people who are experiencing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and depression.

There is something we all can do for people who are hurting.

There are many ways that we can give people hope and one of the easiest ways is to give encouragement regularly. That may sound vague and not that important, but encouragement is the emotionally equivalent to throwing a rope to a drowning man. Hope is empowering and since encouragement gives hope, you can help to empower someone who is hurting.

Here is a list of 24 easy and practical ways that you can give encouragement to people:

1. Go to lunch or dinner together.
2. Give the person praise publicly.
3. Offer to do a task for the person.
4. Spend time listening to the person talk.
5. Ask the person how you can help them.
6. Offer to babysit their children so they can get away for a while.
7. Call the person often just to let them know you were thinking of them.
8. Post a compliment or encouraging words on their wall.
9. When someone is making changes in their life, notice and offer words of praise.
10. Smile as you pass other people. You never know who needs to see a kind face to give them hope.
11. Write a letter of commendation to the person’s boss.
12. Write a note and put it in their lunch or leave a note on their desk.
13. Give the person a gift.
14. Give the person a hug.
15. Give the person a compliment.
16. Give the person an uplifting card.
17. Give the person a motivational book.
18. Give the person a gift card to a restaurant.
19. Send the person chocolates.
20. Send the person flowers/Give the person a single flower.
21. Tell the person a funny joke.
22. Tell the person that you love them.
23. Tell the person you will pray for them.
24. Tell the person that you appreciate them.

Having the opportunity to offer encouragement to another person is a privilege. Giving of yourself will not only help the other person, but a consequence of your unselfishness is that you will feel happier and better about yourself. Being encouraging doesn’t take that much time or effort for you, but it could mean the world to the person who is swimming against the tides of trouble.

Sherry Riter a.k.a. The Redhead Riter is Witty, Intelligent & Addictive. Having been to “Hell and back,” her passionate writing will inspire, motivate, educate and make you laugh. Sherry is ready to help you reach your full potential and Stop Living Comfortably Miserable.

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Источник: //theredheadriter.com/2015/03/24-ways-to-encourage-others-giving-encouragement-to-people/

Why Encouragement Counts – The Power of an Encouraging Word

My first year of college was a bit challenging. I was walking through a lonely season due to an unexpected, but needed, transfer to another dorm room during my second semester.

Because of this, my friend group drastically changed. One night I remember feeling very alone and discouraged as I knelt beside my bed.

I asked God to, “please send someone to encourage me,” to remind me I was not on my own.

Within a couple of hours, that simple prayer was answered. To my amazement, a piece of paper appeared from under my door. Curious as to what it was, I opened it immediately. The words written were exactly what I needed to hear. Words of hope. Words that reminded me I was not alone. Words that gave me the strength to face another day. Words of encouragement.

We all battle moments of self-doubt, insecurity, and discouragement; moments where we can feel giving up rather than going on. And most often, all a person needs is a little encouragement to continue.The definition of the word “encourage” is

“To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.”

When we encourage someone, we are imparting courage to them

Over the years psychologists have studied words and found that they have a profound effect on the human brain. The truth is, words have power.

Words can either breath life or death into the soul, build up someone’s spirit or tear it down. They either encourage or discourage – there is no middle ground.

Research has proven that brain function is at its best and quality of life is at its peak when we are processing positive rather than negative words.

Words either encourage or discourage – there is no middle ground.

In their article, The Most Dangerous Word in the World, researchers Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Waldman state the following:

“If I were to put you into an fMRI scanner – a huge donut-shaped magnet that can take a video of the neural changes happening in your brain – and flash the word “NO” for less than one second, you’d see a sudden release of dozens of stress-producing hormones and neurotransmitters. These chemicals immediately interrupt the normal functioning of your brain, impairing logic, reason, language processing, and communication.”

Additional research done by Newberg and Waldman reveals,
“Positive words, such as “peace” and “love” can alter the expression of genes, strengthening areas in our frontal lobes and promoting the brain’s cognitive functioning. They propel the motivational centers of the brain into action…”

Positive words are difficult to remember. Negative words are difficult to forget

It’s interesting to note that the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC includes a display of several articles President Abraham Lincoln had with him on the night of his assassinated. One of the articles is a worn-out newspaper clipping which celebrated his accomplishments as president. It reads: “Abe Lincoln is one of the greatest statesmen of all time.”

It is amazing that even the president of the United States needed regular positive reinforcement in his life, if left unchallenged, negativity can permeate and overcome any of us.

If you’re living and breathing, you need encouragement!

The truth is that if you’re living and breathing, you need encouragement! No matter a person’s age, position or stature, as human beings, we are wired with the innate desire and need for encouragement.
An encouraging word spoken at the right time can make all the difference in a person life – just it did for President Lincoln.

Proverbs 25:11(CEV) says:
“The right word at the right time is precious gold set in silver.”

There are few things more valuable than an encouraging word.

The words spoken into your life today have a tremendous impact on your life tomorrow

Frankly, it is very difficult for someone to achieve a goal without encouragement and support. Some of the greatest influencers have been those who have received support and strength from others.

Many have recalled the friendship between two of history’s great authors, C.S Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien. In fact, Tolkien was highly influenced by Lewis encouraging him to write The Lord of the Rings. The encouraging words of C.S. Lewis spurred Tolkien on toward what has become a literary masterpiece read by millions.

Encouragement is a gift that we all have the ability and resource to give.

Encouragement is a gift that we all have the ability and resource to give. There is no I.Q. requirement or special talent needed to be an encourager. All you have to do is have a desire to use your life and your words to encourage the people positioned around you.

Every day we come in contact with people who are craving encouragement. Those who are walking through their personal “dorm room” valleys. Although we may not always know what they are facing, our encouragement may be exactly what they need to make it through to the other side.

1. Smile

Did you know that smiling is contagious? It might not just alter a person’s mood, but could change their life.

2. Speak Encouragement

There are millions of people on the planet who feel overlooked and forgotten. And with a simple hello and encouraging word, you can let someone know that they are seen and cared about.

3. Write it out

Spoken words are powerful, but there is something special about written words – they last forever. A simple card or text reminds someone that they are valuable and being thought of.

4. Compliment

Entering your day with the mindset of what can you give rather than what can you get.

Each of these things is very simple to do, yet they can have a profound impact on someone’s life. They could give them the courage to keep going, to pursue their dreams, to know they are not forgotten and that they have a purpose. Who comes to mind in your world that you can encourage? Is it your spouse, your child, your next door neighbor, your coworker?

One leader asked a simple question we should all consider, “If the people around you depend on your words for nourishment, are they dying of malnutrition or are they thriving?”

The truth is that our words matter. We make a choice each day how we will use our words to build up or tear down. Start today. Make a conscience choice that you are going to use your words to make a difference in someone’s life.

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Источник: //jamesriver.church/blog/why-encouragement-counts