The One Thing You Really Want

There is one thing you want...

My guess is you want it so badly that you crave it - hunger it.

And if you got it, your whole life would light up like the sky during a firework display. The thing is you don't actually know you want it - well you do, but you won't know it until you've got it, and until you get it, you'll just notice a great big void in your life. I'll explain.

One thing we all love, above almost anything else, is the admiration and appreciation of our parents, partners and peers. To do something and be told, 'well done" or 'I'm proud of you' or 'I respect you for making such a great effort' just means so much. But how do you get it?

Easy... give it.

Giving what you want often gets you what you want. Below I'm going to retell a story one of my clients told me after a coaching session on giving appreciation.

"Each in turn, five of us, we all said what we thought, really speaking out from the heart.

I looked at my Mum, the person getting all the attention, sitting two seats away from me at the dining table, tears welling up in her eyes and chin quivering slightly.

I realised then that it had been too long since she's heard a decent, heart-felt compliment. 'I appreciate the way you put yourself out,' I said. 'I appreciate how you always make me feel welcome,' my fiancée said. 'I appreciate the way you're always there,' my dad said. And then it was the turn of her grandchildren.

Her ten year-old Grandson said, 'I appreciate your sandwiches' and her four year-old Granddaughter chirped up. 'I appreciate your hair.'

From that day on we decided to have an appreciation session on every birthday, every Father's Day and Mother's Day too. And I have to say these events really have taken on a new and more special meaning.

On my birthday I couldn't wait to hear all the nice things people thought of me. And silly as this may sound I'd have rather had their compliments than the presents - though the presents were really nice too! But here is something I've discovered that is really powerful. Compliments are like fairy dust - magic!"

What a great story. Sprinkle that fairy dust on your travels and watch the magic in your world. People smile at you, people compliment you back. Some look at you, bewildered: the grumpy cashier at the bank and the family member that might not have compliments gets complimented.

About The Author

Neil Millar is the author of Black Water, the adventure novel with personal growth, and the personal development books Greater Steps to Happiness and Be the Hero in your Own Life. He writes articles each month for Unstoppable Life along with the personal development coach, Jo Ball.

Get tips, stories and ideas on achieving what you want in life in a monthly email. It's FREE and you'll even receive a copy of Greater Steps to Happiness in e-book format as a way of saying thank you for joining the subscription list.

http://www.unstoppablelife.com

---

Forcing Inspiration

Most people, when they have to complete a creative endeavour,... Read More

Change

Those of you, who can fathom yourselves welcoming and enjoying... Read More

Why Should We Keep Our Thoughts Clear?

From my experience some healings come instantly or during short... Read More

Learn to Deal in Challenges

(Excerpted from the 2004 Jim Rohn Weekend Leadership Event)To really... Read More

Joy in Perseverance

I will persist until I succeed. Always will I take... Read More

A Word Fitly Spoken ~ Believe

A Word Fitly SpokenA word fitly spoken is like apples... Read More

Motivational Posters - A Source Of Inspiration?

What Inspires You? What motivates you to get up in... Read More

Relax. Its Just Your Life

What am I supposed to do with my life? Shouldn't... Read More

Self Help When Youre In Debt

It's no fun being in debt.Money shortages are always stressful... Read More

Abundance Is A Life Style

Abundance is a life style, a way of living your... Read More

Following Through

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 24,... Read More

Do You Feel Headed For Shipwreck?

The ocean liner Achille Lauro sailed perpetually under a dark... Read More

Trusting Yourself and Others

How come, as women, we always second-guess ourselves? Are we... Read More

Safety ? Are You OK?

Safety is an interesting concept. When we think of safety... Read More

Practice Being Like a Child

Remember the master teacher once said 2000 years ago, "Unless... Read More

Fickle Fates

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 19,... Read More

Oldies

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 5,... Read More

If I Hurt You, Then Im Sorry

This statement has stopped many a war in my house.... Read More

Character is Whats Left When You Leave

1 Samuel 16:7"...The Lord does not look at the things... Read More

Israel Is My Son

"And thou shalt say unto Pharoah, Thus saith the Lord,... Read More

How Would YOU React To Tragedy Like This?

The true story I'm about to share will have a... Read More

A Dream is Just a Dream ... Or is It?

Some people dismiss dreams as nonsense, thought patterns running amuck... Read More

Inspiration From Jack Dempsey

I really like Jack Dempsey's great one liner: "A champion... Read More

Jerrys Yo-Yo

The blaring sound leapt under Jerry's skin and strangled him... Read More

Conspiracy of Silence

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 12,... Read More