The Most Powerful Reward

William Willis
2 min readMay 6, 2021

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“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop

What has the power to completely transform a life, but costs nothing if genuine?

Of the many small gestures that take little time and expense, acknowledgment trumps them all…

  • A thankful smile
  • A pat on the back
  • A few spoken words
  • A hug full of gratitude
  • A small note of encouragement

What human being doesn’t want to be noticed, recognized or appreciated? Too many good deeds go unnoticed. Too many small works go unrewarded. Too many creators suffer in silence not knowing the impact of their efforts.

You have the power to fuel greatness through acknowledgment.

That little smile or note of encouragement can have far-reaching effects. It can mean the difference between carrying on and quitting. It can even save a life. “People will never forget how you made them feel.” [Maya Angelou]

Be generous with acknowledgments. Let no good work go unnoticed and unrewarded. “When we express our gratitude, it grows.⁣” [Richie Norton]

  • Deeper friendships
  • Meaningful engagement
  • A richer, more vibrant life

Now turn your attention inward for an even more powerful form of acknowledgment… Acknowledge yourself.

You are often your worst critic. A kind word from your inner coach heals self-inflicted wounds. Revel in each small victory. Say out loud what you accomplished and why it is good. What takes only seconds can fuel future works.

In a world full of wealth and opportunity, the human spirit yearns to be recognized for its contribution, its value. Don’t let each spirit you cherish toil in silence… including your own.

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William Willis

Professional Coach: I write about motivation through meaning, becoming who you aspire to be, improving a little each day and reaching high performance.