Emotional
intelligence has become the new commodity essential in the successful execution
of goals and achievements of tasks and objectives. An individual’s ability to
be aware of their emotions and channel positive energy towards a vision
increases their productivity as a student or employee. But perhaps being
sensitive to ones feelings is inadequate, perhaps in reality, a person yields
more when they obtain approval of their ideas, support for intended innovations
or when someone believes in them.
Structures of
encouragement help one feel, well eh, encouraged!!! To this end, I propose that
we all identify or be more cogniscent of the support systems around us which
can always give us that boost that we need to carry on. Some common support
systems include the following:
i.
Better halves and spouses
ii.
Siblings
iii.
Friends
iv.
Places of worship
v.
Colleagues and classmates
vi.
Elders and mentors
It is important for
one to associate themselves with individuals and groups that help progress them
in one way or the other. Perhaps for the extrovert, they may pitch an idea to
their counterparts and bounce it off of their minds, and get their two cents as
to either adopt it or not, view it in a new light or simply polish it up. For
the introvert, they may simply present a scenario, hypothetically and draw
friends or colleagues experiences and opinions around the issue at hand.
Unfortunately, feedback is not always positive, sometimes it may be negative or
destructive, but surely in every statement presented there lies a perspective
(informed or ignorant) that can help shape how one can execute their
innovation.
We all need someone
who has faith in us, as it gives us the peace to continue, knowing that out
there, there is someone who believes in us. It may take a simple smile, a
gesture of love or the statement: “You can do it!!!” Even in the doldrums of
despair and all else looks bleak, an echo of this ensemble “hang in there” can
provide the right harmony necessary before one lets loose of the rope and lets
go. Perhaps in our moments of despair, when we feel most vulnerable and weak,
is where the biggest potential for our strength in character lies.
For instance, when I
was penning this article, I asked for my friend’s thoughts on the issue of
encouragement, and some encouraged me. One sentiment that was echoed was that
encouragement pushes you in the right direction and gives you the confidence in
yourself and your abilities because you know someone believes in you and your
vision. Another sentiment I got in my mini investigation from my confidante
when I asked how one felt encouragement helps them in achieving their dreams
was:
“I
think encouragement accelerates or gives you momentum to keep on keeping on,
because we seldom give up when no one is by the side-lines cheering us on”
Sometimes,
encouragement may be stimulated by self through reading. When one seats down
and engages in the act of reading, they interact with their creative side,
often informing it with a rich exploration of a phenomena based on facts and
opinions. Literature The World English Dictionary defines encouragement as
being to inspire (someone) with the courage or confidence (to do something) or
to stimulate (something or someone to do something) by approval or help.
So go out there,
support someone, encourage them, establish yourself as a support system and
become a source of encouragement. Be the inspiration that boosts confidence by
lending an ear, if it cannot be the words, let it be the action of being there.
Presence is a great present to present a sibling with.
