Most people sell themselves short all their lives. They let the people in their lives convince them that they’ll never amount to anything. They allow friends to convince them to give up at every opportunity and they allow relatives to make them feel guilty about aiming above the level of mediocre.
Go to any neighborhood that is stricken by poverty and you’ll find plenty of people who have given up on their dreams in life. They’re not aiming high in life because it seems pointless to even try. The obstacles are so tremendous that there’s no way the average person could ever understand what it’s like.
We may see glimpses of it when we talk to friends from those neighborhoods or when we see people like that on television, but living it day after day is something else entirely.
Thoughts are contagious
The more someone associates with people who set low expectations for themselves, the more they’ll pick up on the thoughts that feed that behavior. Thoughts are transferrable from one mind to another and there’s no question that’s true.
When someone has relatives who are negative, friends who are negative, and teachers who are negative, chances are, that negativity will rub off on them. They try to read a book and they’re criticized. They try to better themselves and the people around them discredit them for acting like they’re “better than everyone else.”
You can repair a broken arm, you can repair a broken leg, but you can’t repair a broken spirit. No wonder there’s so much crime, no wonder there’s so much transgression. After years of so much nonsense, nothing seems to matter to them anymore. Why try something constructive if it won’t amount to anything anyway?
Help them before it’s too late
When you see someone who’s down and out, someone who seems to have no hope in the future, don’t look down on them. They didn’t choose the environment they had to grow up in. Instead try to help that person. Motivate them to aim higher than the level of mediocre.
Put yourself in their shoes. Do you really think you would have the things you have or that you would have achieved the things you achieved if you were raised under their conditions?
Say something that uplifts them.You’d be surprised how just a few words can change someone’s destiny; they’ll remember those words for the rest of their lives.
Say things like:
- I know you’ll succeed one day
- I always knew you could do it
- You have what it takes
- I believe in you
- I’m praying for you
Talk about their strengths so that they can recognize those strengths and use them to move up in the world. Let them construct a vision for themselves that motivates them to always push forward. Going with the flow doesn’t always work when the environment isn’t favorable. Let them focus on what’s beyond their environment so that they’ll have something to hope for.
“Leaders are dealers in hope” — Napoleon Bonaparte
When someone in your life has lost all hope, lift them up. There’s no telling how different their lives will turn out simply because of a few words. All a captain has to do is steer his ship by an inch and the final destination will be greatly changed as time passes.
Let your words steer someone into the direction of hope. Let them think about the possibilities of doing what they never thought possible. You might give way to someone who might become one of the world’s great leaders some day. It’s happened before and it’s happening now.
All it takes are just a few simple words to change someone’s life. I know because I’ve seen it work for me and I’ve seen it work for others. If you still don’t believe me, try it on someone and watch how their behavior changes almost automatically. And when you see that happen, the next best thing you can do is to inspire others to do the same.
—
If you liked this article, please share it on StumbleUpon or Twitter.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post Tim! I truly believe what you say work for everyone.
Sometimes people only need one opportunity in their lives to skyrocket. Yes, maybe that person doesn’t have suitable habilities to do something but we can help.
While this person is waiting for one opportunity, only one, we should stay next to him/her and give some support saying “a few simple words” and I would add these adjectives to describe those words: sincere, honest and confident.
“Let your words steer someone into the direction of hope” What a wonderful expression! I I think people need a leader, at least someone we can fix our attention to learn.
What should we think after reading this post? We can help people and they can help us so take care of who is close to you.
Saludos
There are so many people who have had more than their share of difficult things to deal with. Especially with the world’s current situation. If only everyone had that extra kind word or helping hand, it might remedy the issues.
People who help other people when they are down are the ones who get the most blessings. Helping someone instead of putting them down will always lead to a tighter bond between the person and yourself. Communicating that your are a friend who is down to help shows
character, a positive attitude and integrity.
Amazing post
People should definitely start helping each other out more. If we did this peace on earth would never be seen a a miracle!
jonathanfigaro´s last blog ..Power of Positive Thinking
@Sergio – That’s a wonderful reply, Sergio, and I can tell you meant what you said. I can honestly say I would probably be slightly behind where I am now if it weren’t for the 2 to 3 people I can still remember who had motivating personalities.
Have you ever remembered an uplifting statement from someone that was so impressed in your mind that you know you’ll never forget it? I have and I remember them in the back of my mind whenever I do anything to further myself.
There’s no telling what kind of impact our words will make on others.
@Jonathan – That’s absolutely true. I think there’s too much competitiveness in this world and not enough sympathy. Many of the people in our lives go through more hardship than we realize but they don’t show that side to the world because they don’t want to appear weak.
It doesn’t take much trouble to say a few uplifting words when someone is noticeably in a slump. In fact, when we help others, we build a mental state of mind that attracts people with the same supportive nature.
Tim, I agree with you most certainly. Being able to just say what on your mind or let me see how we can make you feel better. Is a sure way to show someone that they are worthwhile. Appreciation goes a long way in human realtions. It allows us to be a person who can support people who need our love.
Hi Tim
Great post, wonderful message. I love what you said about, “Thoughts are contagious” so true. Keep doing the great work you are doing, you are inspiring people.
Thanks for sharing.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia´s last blog ..What are the difference between Winners and Losers?
Hi Tim,
This reminds me, very much of the following quote:
“Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts.” ~ Robert Fulghum
Our words are powerful. And we can choose what we say. This quote leans toward the bad that can happen – and I love the angle you’re going with Tim – that our words can also uplift people – just a few short words…said during a time of real need, can be all the difference. And this is a great reminder…when it can be easy to say nothing – to say something with hope and belief behind it – and say it with meaning. What a difference it can make!
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Great post! We often get stuck in focussing on ourselves, and its easy to forget about helping others.
I know, some of the best moments in my life, have been when other people expressed faith in me, and spurred me on. I never forget a kind word said during a difficult time!
Thanks for sharing these motivating thoughts…
Kaizan´s last blog ..How to Eat Less – and Still be Happy
@Jonathan – That’s true. I think too many people let pride get in the way of telling others about their virtues.
@Giovanna – Thanks for the kind words. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.
@Lance – Absolutely. A lot of people won’t admit it but other peoples’ words really do have an impact on their emotions sometimes—especially when they don’t expect it. Thanks for the input as always.
@Kaizan – I’m definitely on the same page as you are. You really hit it on the mark. Thanks for the reply.
Nice post Tim. Giving encouragement to a person can really change their life, especially if they do not get it often.
Motivating stuff.
Ryan Krueger´s last blog ..Overcoming Obstacles
Tim,
How do you think pride affects a persons ability to help someone?
jonathanfigaro´s last blog ..Top 10 Quotes to Improve Mind Instantly
@Ryan – Thanks, Ryan. I appreciate it.
@Jonathan – I think pride can make someone not want to “lower them self” by trying to sympathize with people who they feel are beneath them. Many of these people think that anyone who lives in poverty brought it on themselves even in situations where the person had no choice.
Pride can also hinder someone’s chances from looking outside of themselves and viewing the world from other peoples’ perspectives. And because it stops people from admitting that they’re wrong, they’re less susceptible to changing their thinking.
Tim,
I really am happy I fell on this post because this happened to me today.
I had a friend who really needed to talk and I was in the same head wave.
He called me and after 60 minutes were were able to help each other and really lift each other’s spirits!
Thanks so much for this inspiration! In our fast-pace world, the idea of taking time to listen and help someone is so crucial.
Eat Smart Age Smart´s last blog ..Dr. Berardi’s best male body transformations!
I’m glad my post meant something to you. We all need our batteries recharged every now and then.
What I love about blogs is which they spark an idea in my brain. When that happens, I really feel as I need to comment with the hope it may be interesting to some individuals. Simply because there are lots of blogs and forums with numerous points of view, they question your comprehension. It is at these moments when you’ve valuable insignt other people might not have had, together using the blogger him/herself. I find myself coming back to to your writings only because you’ve several very good insights and also you’ve been at this a very long time, that is really inspiring and tells me you know your stuff. Keep triggering imagination in other people!