"Curious that we spend more time congratulating people who have succeeded than encouraging people who have not"

We often get so caught up in celebrating success that we forget to encourage those still on their journey. It’s kind of like how we throw parties and give speeches for the graduates, but we rarely offer the same energy to those still studying late into the night. This idea is about shifting our focus—putting more effort into supporting those who are still fighting their battles rather than just applauding those who’ve already won theirs.

Historically, our society has been geared towards celebrating achievements. Think about it: award ceremonies, medals, certificates—you name it. They all serve to honor success. And don’t get me wrong, recognition is important. But where does that leave everyone else? The ones still grinding, facing obstacles, and needing a bit of encouragement? They often end up feeling overlooked, which can be disheartening.

Take the story of Thomas Edison, for example. We all know him as the inventor of the light bulb, a man synonymous with success. But what’s often glossed over is the sheer number of failures he had before his big breakthrough. Imagine if during his numerous attempts someone had said, “Hey, keep going. You’re doing great.” It’s possible he might have felt supported earlier in his journey, perhaps even inspired to find success sooner. Instead, society waited until he succeeded to heap on the praise.

So, how do you put this wisdom to work in your own life? Simple. Start by shifting your focus. Next time you see someone struggling—whether it’s a friend working on a tough project, a child learning to ride a bike, or a colleague tackling a challenging job—offer them your encouragement. Say, “I see you working hard, and I believe in you.” Sometimes, that’s all it takes to keep someone going.

Let’s illustrate this with a more relatable scenario. Picture a small office, bustling with activity. There’s Jane, a marketing associate, who’s been putting in extra hours trying to land a big account. Every day she’s at her desk early and leaves late, yet the big deal still seems just out of reach. Meanwhile, John, her colleague, just closed a major deal and is receiving tons of praise. There's cake, there are high-fives. Jane feels invisible.

Now imagine if, rather than just celebrating John’s win, her boss took a moment to acknowledge Jane’s effort: “Jane, I see how hard you’re working and I appreciate your dedication. Keep it up—you’re making progress.” That small gesture could be the encouragement she needs to keep pushing forward.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Think about where you can offer a bit more support. Maybe it’s sending a text to a friend studying for exams, or telling your kid, “I know you’re trying hard and I’m proud of your effort,” during their soccer practice. It’s those little moments of encouragement that can make all the difference. We’re all on different paths, and a bit of support can light the way for those still finding their footing. Let’s remember to cheer on the journey, not just the destination.