You are absolutely right! I have often wondered the same thing. We don’t tend to reach out with genuine gratitude and praise. Meanwhile “charity praise” overwhelms the internet—people liking and even raving about mediocre work that they have forgotten the moment they surf away. What a strange, unaccountable species we interneters are! Glad we connected!
You #NailedIt, Drew, when it comes to why we don't reply. I, too, love hearing from people. Great comments make my day. But I also take the not-so-great comments to heart, too, to try to learn and listen to what people are really trying to tell me. When people say, "Don't take it personally," I don't agree. (Does that count as a double negative?) If I'm gonna take the compliments personally — which I absolutely do — then I need to take the insults personally, too. It's all fuel for self-improvement, which in turn can only help my readers.
We're wired to pay more attention to the negative, not the positive. It's an evolutionary trait that hasn't yet adapted to the endless negativity we can now be exposed to in real time.
We should change "Don't take it personally" to "Don't sit with it for too long"
Take what you need, leave what you don't and shake it off (another evolutionary trait we still see in animals, physically shaking off after a dangerous encounter)
Thanks Drew. This will encourage me to continue to tell people how that have made my life better. Gratitude and joy always run together. Being proactive with my gratitude has made me feel more joy. BTW, I am still with my new year's resolution to thank a Walmart employee personally and specifically every time that I shop. Some times it feels a little weird - but not one of them have told me to 'go away'
I did a half day workshop with you at the Creativity and Humor Conference in Saratoga in 1984??? It was so fun and inspiring that I have never forgotten you. So add this to your file and remember often that you matter and make a difference whether you are told or not ...because that is your intention. Intention is the juice of action. The better the intention, the better the outcome. Atta person! (I had no children to name after you so I am naming my phone charger "Drew" because it energizes my communication!)
You are absolutely right! I have often wondered the same thing. We don’t tend to reach out with genuine gratitude and praise. Meanwhile “charity praise” overwhelms the internet—people liking and even raving about mediocre work that they have forgotten the moment they surf away. What a strange, unaccountable species we interneters are! Glad we connected!
"Charity praise" - what an interesting coming together of words.
And I completely agree with you. Thank you for making this article better by offering your opinion.
You #NailedIt, Drew, when it comes to why we don't reply. I, too, love hearing from people. Great comments make my day. But I also take the not-so-great comments to heart, too, to try to learn and listen to what people are really trying to tell me. When people say, "Don't take it personally," I don't agree. (Does that count as a double negative?) If I'm gonna take the compliments personally — which I absolutely do — then I need to take the insults personally, too. It's all fuel for self-improvement, which in turn can only help my readers.
We're wired to pay more attention to the negative, not the positive. It's an evolutionary trait that hasn't yet adapted to the endless negativity we can now be exposed to in real time.
We should change "Don't take it personally" to "Don't sit with it for too long"
Take what you need, leave what you don't and shake it off (another evolutionary trait we still see in animals, physically shaking off after a dangerous encounter)
Just shake it off, off, off.
I'm a proud long time fan of Drew. There are days where just reading your email makes my day :)
A big thank you for the laughters you bring, the knowledge you share and whatever comes next, your true fans are right there with you.
Cheers!
Thank you so much Helder, much appreciated!
You matter Drew. You help me see things differently often.
And this article reminded me to say thanks more.
So thank you!
Thank you for your thanks, Phil. I do think gratitude is one of those things that can help you be Happy AF :).
Absolutely. It’s one of the biggest ways I’ve found and scientifically, that’s true too.
Thanks Drew. This will encourage me to continue to tell people how that have made my life better. Gratitude and joy always run together. Being proactive with my gratitude has made me feel more joy. BTW, I am still with my new year's resolution to thank a Walmart employee personally and specifically every time that I shop. Some times it feels a little weird - but not one of them have told me to 'go away'
What a great observation: "Gratitude and joy always run together."
I did a half day workshop with you at the Creativity and Humor Conference in Saratoga in 1984??? It was so fun and inspiring that I have never forgotten you. So add this to your file and remember often that you matter and make a difference whether you are told or not ...because that is your intention. Intention is the juice of action. The better the intention, the better the outcome. Atta person! (I had no children to name after you so I am naming my phone charger "Drew" because it energizes my communication!)
This is how the internet should work!