So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. Galatians 6:9
Attaboy is defined as an informal method of encouragement or congratulations.
Today I sat down, turned on the television, and for some reason, the channel was tuned to a rodeo. The girl’s barrel racing event was on, and I watched a few of the contestants finish their course on horseback. The interesting part was after each one finished, they instinctively reached down, patted their respective horse, and mouthed, attaboy. My first reaction was, “Well, you better do that. You couldn’t have finished without that horse.” Many times we fail to give credit where credit is due.
Suddenly, my mind turned to a new school year and the classrooms that await teachers and students. As teachers, we learned early in our training that every student needs an attaboy or attagirl in the course of their years in school. No matter your age or grade, getting positive reinforcement and/or praise for a job well done, no matter how big or how small, can mean the difference between success and failure for these students. Teachers particularly, need to hear attaboys from parents and administration alike.
The same theory applies to all of us in our workplaces, organizations, jobs or social encounters. You might get paid for the job, but the bonus comes in hearing bosses or co workers take the time to appreciate a job well done with words of encouragement or attaboys. Research confirms that productivity increases when the environment is rich with affirmation and encouragement.
Jesus reminds us of the need to give attaboys when he urges us not to get tired of building up others. He didn’t dwell on the sins, but rather tried to encourage the sinner to accept forgiveness and go and sin no more. I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t appreciate a compliment, a kind word, a smile, or a word of encouragement. It is so needed in this world today.
It’s a great time for us to vow to be more of an encourager and give credit to those who need it. I love the words of one of the boy’s coaches: We win as a team, and we lose as a team.
And remembering that those who are the most difficult to love and praise, are the ones who need it most…and will most likely gain the most from it. Thank you Diane for always being right on target❣️
As usual this was wonderful! I think of our grandsons in sports and I always heard a lot of attaboys said by their coaches which I really appreciated! All of need some attaboys in our life?