"The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement."
Charles Schwab

Give Your Encouragement

Who Needs Encouragement?

"There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend." Katharine Butler Hathaway

• Look for someone you know that has been disappointed or is going through a tough moment in their life. Showing an interest in them can be very encouraging even if there may not be anything you can do to improve or fix their situation.
  
  
• Look for someone that has influenced you. That might be a person you look up to and you can't imagine they need encouragement. Everyone needs encouragement and I don't believe there is any better way than to be told by someone that you were a help to them.
  
  
• Look for someone that is putting in a great effort or doing a great job at something. It does not have to be something you are benefiting from. You just have to take notice and show an interest. Your encouragement will reinforce the actions of that individual and may give them the strength to do even greater things in the future.
  
  

How to Give Your Encouragement

• Keep the note extremely positive and don’t criticize in any way.
  
  
• Write the note the way you would say it in person. It needs to be real. If you try to sound like a poet or a preacher and you aren’t one, it will not seem as genuine to the reader.
  
  
• Write it as soon as you can after thinking about it. If God put it in your head to write it then now is when that person needs it the most. Also, if you don’t do it soon, then you may forget about it or start convincing yourself it is too late.
  
  
• If you feel you need some instruction on writing encouraging notes, then read "The Art of the Handwritten Note: A Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communication" by Margaret Shepherd.