Have you ever thought of saying something but never got around to it? A compliment, a thank you, or an apology? Maybe you were busy, had other things on your mind, or simply put it off for another day. Sadly, the moment passed, and the opportunity to tell that person was gone forever. But at least you had good intentions, right? Do you leave people wondering, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
What did you miss by letting that opportunity slip away? You had the chance to brighten their day, acknowledge their extra effort, or thank them for making a difference in your life. You might assume they already know the impact they had, so it doesn’t matter. But does it?
Let Your Voice Be Heard
What do you lose by failing to thank an employee for going the extra mile, expressing love to your spouse, or telling your mentor how they impact your life?
You miss the opportunity to strengthen relationships, offer well-deserved recognition, and encourage continued excellence. You also fail to show that you value their goodwill and miss out on how good it could make you feel.
Consider the time, attention, and care these people demonstrate. Yet, you don’t make the effort to show your appreciation.
23 Ways to Show Your Gratitude
Here are 23 opportunities to recognize excellence, express your thanks, and demonstrate that you care:
Affection. “I love you.”
Achievement. “Great job. You knocked it out of the park.”
Growth. “You’ve shown incredible growth this past year.”
Effort. “We appreciate how hard you tried.”
Hard work. “Thanks for the effort.”
Cooperation. “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Impact. “We’ll never forget what you did for us.”
Tough love. “Thanks for pushing me to do my best.”
Mentoring. “Thanks for showing me the ropes.”
Parenting. “Thanks for passing on your values.”
Sacrifice. “You gave up so much for me.”
Friendship. “Thanks for being there when I needed you most.”
Career support. “Without your support, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Motivation. “Thanks for lifting me up when I was down.”
Role model. “I’ve always looked up to you.”
Personal growth. “I learned so much from you.”
Recommendation. “They were fantastic. I highly recommend them.”
Apology. “I’m so sorry that…”
Reliability. “I can always count on you.”
Advice. “Your advice really paid off.”
Success. “I’m so proud of you.”
Opportunity. “You took a chance on me when no one else did.”
Recognition. “You’re going to be a star.”
If You Think It, Say It
You have a lot on your plate. The last thing you need is another task on your list — especially since showing gratitude, though important, can feel optional. It’s true, that skipping it won’t set off alarm bells and the world won’t come to an end. But that small gesture can mean a lot.
If you keep your thoughts to yourself, they’re worthless.
It’s not enough to think about how much you love someone or how well they’re doing. Take a moment to tell them — people can’t hear what you don’t say.
Good intentions are meaningless without action.
Unless you prioritize expressing gratitude, it won’t happen. There will never be a perfect time — other than now. Make it a priority. It’s not only common courtesy to acknowledge achievements, thank someone for their support, or recognize someone for a job well done — it will nourish your soul. Make acknowledging others a habit, not an afterthought. As the saying goes, “If you have something to say, say it to yourself. Then say it to the world.”
Check out Frank’s latest book, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose
Speak Up Before Someone Asks, “Why Didn’t You Tell Me?”
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Additional Reading:
One Day Isn’t Enough to Express Your Gratitude
I’m Not a Mind Reader. Are You?
Be Careful What You Take for Granted
Words Matter — Communication Affects Every Area of Your Life
The Costs of Poor Communication
Meaningful Conversations Don’t Happen By Chance
9 Barriers to Effective Communication
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