The Power of Praise
The Underrated Privilege of Genuinely Reminding Someone They're Amazing
Hi, I'm Manuel Saez, 2x Founder, Award-Winning Designer, and Emotional Intelligence Coach 🌻 Here I Share the advice I wish I had while building my businesses ➜ I love fixing old motorcycles 🛵🏍️
The other day, I was talking to someone who was struggling with direction in his life.
He had deep self-doubts; he felt his career was stale, not really advancing, and he was uncertain if he was making the right choices or if life was simply passing him by.
Recently, he turned forty and felt uneasy about not yet having a family of his own.
His worries were piling up: a slow-moving career, no long-term partner, no children, and a growing sense of urgency and self-doubt.
Most of us can relate, at least in part, to what he was going through.
Doubting our paths, feeling like we’re not where we’re supposed to be, worrying about missed opportunities, or wondering if we'll ever truly experience the life we envisioned. It’s universal.
At the end of our conversation, I paused and told him something from my heart.
I told him how awesome he was.
I reminded him of the bright light he brings into people's lives.
I reminded him how his natural energy draws the right people toward him, sharing specific moments when this happened.
I reminded him that he has this unique gift of being a positive force—a person whose presence alone lifts everyone around him, making their days brighter and their burdens lighter.
It wasn’t empty praise; it was sincere and specific.
It was a profound and heartfelt conversation.
Something shifted in his eyes when I spoke. A flicker of recognition appeared, and I could see him reconnecting with a part of himself he’d forgotten.
Later that day, I couldn’t stop thinking about how powerful that moment had been for me. I realized something profound:
Telling someone how awesome they are is a privilege.
When done honestly, reminding someone of their gifts—the unique and wonderful person they truly are—is one of the greatest privileges we have.
It’s more than a nice gesture. It’s an act of generosity and empathy, an opportunity to help someone see themselves clearly again, to reconnect them with their own inherent value.
But the words must be genuine, of course.
I’ve found that empty compliments never resonate. They lack the power to truly uplift or transform.
However, sincere acknowledgment, highlighting real strengths and meaningful traits, can change someone’s perspective instantly.
I actually wrote this down in my gratitude journal afterward because I felt so grateful for the privilege of that moment.
It reminded me how rarely we pause to tell someone exactly why they matter.
Yet, every time we do, we create an opportunity for a real connection and profound impact.
We often underestimate how much people need to hear what’s wonderful about them.
We assume they already know or think it's unnecessary. But the truth is, we all need reminding sometimes.
Having the opportunity to do this—reminding someone of their brilliance—is nothing short of a privilege. It is a win-win move.
So, I wanted to share this short reflection to encourage you to embrace these moments, too.
When you see something great in someone else, tell them. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Be specific, honest, and direct.
It could shift their entire day, maybe even their whole outlook on life.
And just as importantly, remember this applies to you as well. You, too, are a shining light. Don’t forget it.
Have you ever experienced a moment when someone’s genuine words changed your perspective, or perhaps you've done this for someone else?
Share your story in the comments—let’s keep reminding each other of our greatness.
Sending you good vibes, 🌻
Manuel
👉 manuelsaez.com
I’m working on this. I often hold back encouragement, fearing it might be rejected—silly, I know.
Recently, I read “A Few Kind Words” by Tracey Gates, and it was a huge reminder to always share encouragement with others.
Thanks for another reminder, Manuel!
I am grateful for your words. My friend Fran did that for me recently, reminded me that I only had to change my mind.
I had sustained a brain injury two years ago, and felt disconnected from my normal joy, ease, and grace and other people. I was isolating—it’s hard to heal a disordered brain with the disordered mind!! She held space for me and spoke affirmations for changing my perspective! We become what we think about all day long!
Thank you so much!
Sandy😇🙏🏻💚