"Le principe le plus profond de la nature humaine est le désir d'être apprécié."

At its heart, the idea being conveyed is that people fundamentally desire recognition and appreciation. We all want to feel valued for who we are and what we do. It’s a basic human need that transcends cultures and eras. No matter where you’re from or what your background is, the longing for appreciation is universal.

This sentiment has deep roots, and we can trace it back to historical figures like William James, who was a philosopher and psychologist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He highlighted this principle, emphasizing that the need to feel appreciated is one of the strongest motivators in human behavior. Imagine the time when James lived—a period of significant change and development in psychology. People were beginning to understand the complexities of the human mind, and James’s insight was groundbreaking. He was kind of laying the groundwork for what we now consider fundamental in both personal relationships and workplace dynamics.

Let’s bring this into a real-life scenario. Consider a manager at a company. She has a team of diverse individuals with different skill sets and backgrounds. She notices that productivity and morale are dropping. So, she starts a new initiative: recognizing and celebrating the contributions of each team member. Every week, she picks someone to highlight, sharing their achievements with the entire team and thanking them for their hard work. The effect is almost magical. People start feeling seen and valued. Productivity goes up, but more importantly, so does job satisfaction. The team feels more cohesive and motivated, all because the manager tapped into their deep-seated need for appreciation.

How can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, be mindful of how you interact with others. A simple thank you, a genuine compliment, or recognizing someone’s effort can make a huge difference. Think about your daily interactions. Do you appreciate the people around you enough? It’s not just about grand gestures; sometimes, the smallest acknowledgment can brighten someone’s day. You can start by appreciating your family members for their support, your colleagues for their hard work, or even a friend for simply being there.

Imagine a scenario where you’ve been working late nights on a project. You’re exhausted and feeling a bit down. Then, out of the blue, your boss sends you an email praising your dedication and effort. Suddenly, your fatigue lifts a bit. You feel a sense of pride and motivation that wasn’t there before. This is the power of appreciation—it can transform your mood and mindset in an instant.

Let’s get a bit personal. Picture yourself at a family dinner. Your grandma has spent hours cooking, yet often it goes unacknowledged. But tonight, you decide to express your gratitude. You tell her how much you love her cooking and how it’s a highlight of your visits. Her eyes light up, and you can see how much those words mean to her. You’ve tapped into her need for appreciation, and it’s brought joy to both of you.

In essence, appreciating others is about more than just words. It’s about recognizing their humanity and the things they do that make your world better. It’s a simple yet profound way to connect and uplift each other, creating a ripple effect of positivity and motivation. So, next time you see someone doing something good—big or small—take a moment to let them know you appreciate them. It’s a little thing that can make a big difference.