the power of thank you!
These 2 tiny words - thank you - pack such a powerful punch. Have you ever stopped for a moment to think about how casually we use those 2 words in our daily lives? I think they almost become a habit we say them so often, but when you really stop to think about their impact you may begin to use them differently. Let’s define just what Thank you means. Webster dictionary defines it as a way to show our appreciation and convey our gratitude. But more than that, it is a sign of respect to the person who has helped you (or given you something). It is an indication you do not take them for granted, and an acknowledgement that they matter. And that right there is the key to why saying thank you is so important - letting people know they matter!
Thank you is a phrase we all learned as small children. What many people might not realize is that these two simple words have a profound impact on our daily outlook, our ability to chart a course of success and most importantly to being happy. Studies show that there are significant health benefits from embracing gratitude and that people who are more grateful have better heart health and more disease-fighting cells in their bodies. Go figure - being grateful and thankful is actually good for our health!
To me, the words 'thank you” embody something truly magical. Thank you also reminds me of another tiny phrase, “i’m sorry” - these two tiny, but impactful phrases behave almost as shorthand to a much greater meaning. If only we truly realized and acknowledged their power. One of my favorite quotes reads, “Appreciation can change a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary”
So now that we’ve defined thank you and it’s importance, let’s talk about 2 simple things we can all do to maximize the benefits Thank You has not just for us but for those we love, work with and encounter every day!
One of the most important elements to saying thank you goes beyond just basic manners. Of course we are taught to say thank you when someone opens the door for you, hands you your change or delivers a package. But it’s when we are intentional with our thanx and gratitude that we can see it’s true impact. Let’ start with something simple- email. What would we do without email? Especially now with Covid in play. For work communication it is critical along with instant messenger platforms and text. The problem is we rely so heavily on this quick means of communication that we forget the simple things and basic etiquette. Have you ever been on the receiving end of an email and feel it’s hostile? What is your natural response? To reply pleasantly or to be annoyed? While we can’t direct others how to address the tone and structure of their emails to us we can take control of how we address others.
In an email start with the subject line. It’s been proven that a short, direct subject like catches our attention more than a long drawn out one. So if you are wanting to say thank you - start there - thank you for today, a note of gratitude, or many thanx, something to the point so the receiver realizes this is a note of thanx. And then - this one simple step is a game changer - use their name! Yes! Sounds so simple but so many times we receive a note that says - thanx for this or that - it is impersonal and we dismiss it, but when someone says - Leslie - I can’t thank you enough for your help today with project so and so - it opens things up to a whole other level. If it is someone on your team - they feel appreciated, noticed and will take pride in what they have completed. And - it is positive re-enforcement - and who does not want that? And guess what - they’ll want to do it again! People don’t come to work to do a bad job- they want to do well and you’ve now given them the platform to do so! And the same goes for text and messenger too - using someone’s name and being specific with what they’ve done or how they have helped you will resonate with them i promise you.
A hand written note - I know you are probably saying - who has time for that? But can I tell you that you need to make time? I mean, it’s not for every day situations but there are times when taking the time to buy a card or write a short note to someone to personally thank them for the gift, the service or whatever it may be is worth the effort. I cannot tell you how much genuine care and gratitude this exudes. Especially in our electronic move at lighting fast paced world.
The suggestions I offered truly just scratch the surface of the power of Thank You. It is truly all about acknowledging the efforts of those around us, no matter how big or small. Letting people know you value them builds so much more than a moment of appreciation. Think of the self-worth, trust and mutual understanding that grows from this simple act. These are all key elements to building strong relationships and partnerships. This bodes well for our family members too. So many days we “forget” to say thanx for taking out the trash, or picking up the cleaning or even starting dinner. No one has to do anything for us and no one wants to feel they are taken for granted. “Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul”