A Little Appreciation Goes A Long Way; Why Gratitude Is The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Yammer poll says YES: Let Children Get Bored Again: Boredom teaches us that life isn’t a parade of amusements. More important, it spawns creativity and self-sufficiency

A Little Appreciation Goes A Long Way; Why Gratitude Is The Gift That Keeps On Giving

     

Amy Rees Anderson Contributor                 

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

I share my insights as an entrepreneur turned mentor & angel investor

Appreciation is one of life’s greatest motivators, so when we take the time to let people know that we value them, it inspires them to continue doing even more. That is precisely why gratitude is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving.

That’s not just a nice sounding quote, it is a fact that has been scientifically proven. In an article written by Francis Flynn, Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford, he shared the following:
“Individuals often withhold help because they are uncertain about whether beneficiaries will appreciate their assistance. Expressions of gratitude can signify that a beneficiary values, needs, and accepts one’s assistance. Previous research has shown that grateful feelings enable people to savor positive experiences, cope with stress, and strengthen social relationships. A disposition toward gratitude is also associated with higher levels of subjective well-being, demonstrating that counting one’s blessings can increase positive emotions and health.”

“A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.”