The Power of Small Acknowledgments
“Wood already touched by fire is not hard to set alight.” – Akan proverb
It is natural for people to desire recognition for their efforts. This longing is so strong that it often drives individuals to push themselves further, striving to prove their worth. However, despite our best efforts, the recognition we seek does not always come. This absence can be disheartening and even damaging.
The lack of acknowledgment is often subtle, creeping into our lives without us realizing it. On some occasions, it arrives at the right moment, but more frequently, it lingers, sometimes for a lifetime. In rare cases, it comes too late—after we have moved on to other chapters of our lives.
We tend to downplay the importance of offering recognition to others. We tell ourselves there are more pressing issues to worry about. Whether by choice or societal pressure, many of us fail to acknowledge the small efforts of those around us. These efforts may seem insignificant, and familiarity makes them appear unimportant. We argue that they do not lead to major changes or teach us anything meaningful, so why should we focus on them now?
Every time we neglect to offer a little recognition, we chip away at our own motivation. It is akin to ignoring a dying man’s plea for water. While this analogy might seem extreme, it highlights the importance of acknowledging others. Each individual contributes something unique to society through their efforts, no matter how small. This continuous effort is what fuels our growth and allows us to develop the energy and skills that make us appear talented.
When our efforts go unnoticed, our ability to contribute diminishes. Over time, these small omissions can drain our creativity and leave us feeling unfulfilled. We have all experienced the pain of waiting for recognition and the agony that comes with its delay. We know how it can hurt our hearts and shake our spirits, yet we remain slow to offer the same to others.
Unacknowledged efforts create a gap between what we are capable of achieving and what we actually accomplish. Sometimes, we fail to recognize others because we don’t see them as brilliant or talented. What we need to understand is that being a valuable part of society means giving your all, regardless of how big or small your contribution may seem. It is about the challenges you overcome to make your contribution, no matter how minor it may be.
The goal is to step out of our comfort zones and direct our attention toward offering small acknowledgments. This practice can help foster a culture of appreciation that benefits everyone. Recognizing small efforts is one of the most effective ways to make sense of the modern world. We are all connected through our individual contributions, and together, these efforts create a meaningful impact.
Knowing that we are acknowledged and valued inspires us to continue contributing. We may not argue when our efforts go unrecognized, but we do grumble. However, how can we expect others to appreciate us if we do not show appreciation for them? We feel the world owes us recognition, yet we fail to create an environment where such recognition can flourish.
The consequences of not acknowledging others go beyond just losing a sense of appreciation. It warps our sensibilities and shapes us into unappreciative individuals. It is our duty to offer recognition, no matter how small the effort. The concept of greatness is built from the accumulation of small contributions.
It is time to shift our focus from asking how the world has recognized our efforts to asking what we are acknowledging. We must encourage a culture of appreciation that nurtures a “big bang” of recognition. The simple acts of giving a thumbs-up, expressing gratitude, or starting conversations about others’ efforts can contribute to this change.
We need to reduce our focus on “genius,” “smartness,” and “talent” and instead concentrate on increasing the amount of recognition and appreciation we give to others. By doing so, we can create a more fulfilling and meaningful world for everyone.