Acknowledgement- we all need it. So give it.

"Approval comes and goes, ultimately we have to live with what we think of ourselves (Robbins)"

I heard this quote some months ago, and it got me thinking about certain concepts, many of which are inter-related: internal vs. external validation, self-esteem, self fulfilling prophecies, and then acknowledgement, which is different to the others. Acknowledgement is linked to gratitude, a very powerful energy, one that can grant access to great things. Acknowledgment, together with gratitude, are important for the processes of both the giver and receiver. Just as we all need to be acknoweledged, so too should we acknowledge others.

There is such importance with being confident within ourselves, believing in ourselves, and having internal validation. We should not need to rely on what other people might think of us. As the opening quote suggests, ultimately we have to hold ourselves in high esteem, as external approval will not necessarily be a constant, and therefore we should not rely on it. Building true inner confidence, and having a great sense of self worth will stand one in good stead when facing life's many challenges.

With all the self-help books and seminars on availibility nowadays, one would think that we would all be self-actualised, almost perfect people. BUT we all suffer from a serious ailment- it's called 'being human'. Wow, I feel better now that i got that out. I'm human. You're human. And we all need acknowledgment, all in different shapes and forms. Don't hold back- acknowledge those around you. Make them feel worthy. Every human being on this planet has what to offer, and it is our challenge to have an 'Ayin Tov', a good eye, to be able to both see, and acknowledge an individuals specialty.


I found this great excerpt on acknowledgement that I'd like to share. It is not from a Jewish source, however these ideas are all based in Judaism, and acknowledgement is directly linked to the theme of this blog, that of gratitude.


The 7 Principles of Acknowledgment


1. The world is full of people who deserve to be acknowledged.

It will be easier to acknowledge those you care most about if you start by practicing your acknowledgment skills on people you don’t know very well, or even know at all. Then you will begin making the world a happier place.

2.Acknowledgement builds intimacy and creates powerful interactions.

Acknowledge the people around you directly and fully, especially those with whom you are in an intimate relationship. What is it about your spouse, your daughter, your uncle, your oldest colleague or subordinate that you want to acknowledge? Look for ways to say how much you value them, and then be prepared for miracles!

3.Acknowledgment neutralizes, defuses, deactivates and reduces the effect of jealousy and envy!

Acknowledge those you are jealous of, for the very attributes you envy. Watch the envy diminish and the relationship grow stronger as you grow to accept valuable input from the person you were envying.

4.Recognizing good work leads to high energy, great feelings, high-quality performance and terrific results. Not acknowledging good work causes lethargy, resentment, sorrow and withdrawal.

Recognize and acknowledge good work, wherever you find it. It’s not true that people only work hard if they worry whether you value them. Quite the opposite!

5.Truthful, heartfelt and deserved acknowledgment always makes a difference, sometimes a profound one, in a person’s life and work.

Rarely given acknowledgements have no more value than frequent ones. Sincere praise should not be withheld due to fear of diminishing returns, of appearing inappropriate or out of embarrassment. These obstacles can and should be overcome in order for you and your recipients to reap the tremendous rewards.

6.It is likely that acknowledgment can improve the emotional and physical health of both the giver and the receiver.

There is already substantial scientific evidence that gratitude and forgiveness help well-being, alertness and energy, diminish stress and feelings of negativity, actually boosting the immune system. It is reported that they can even reduce the risk of stroke and heart failure. This research leads us to believe that acknowledging others has similar effects.

7.Practice different ways of getting through to the people you want to acknowledge.

Develop an acknowledgment repertoire that will give you the tools to reach out to the people in your life in the different ways that will be the most meaningful to each situation and each person.


* The 7 Principles of Acknowledgement are an excerpt from The Power of Acknowledgment, by Judith W. Umlas. ©2006 IIL Publishing, New York.