Notes of Encouragement
By Kari Wilhelm
Have you ever wanted to try something but held back because you felt like you weren’t “good enough”? Maybe you worried about being judged. Often, the environment and the community around us play an important role.
Here’s a little story: Last week, I decided to play the piano on a public beach. I’m not exactly a virtuoso—I was following some people who were really talented. But I thought, why not? Let’s have fun with it. In the photo, I might look like I am playing something impressive, but in reality, I was playing “Pop Goes the Weasel”. While I played, a surfer skipped up from the beach, clapping and cheering along. It was such a small gesture, but it made my day!
That moment reassured me it’s fine to keep playing, and it reminded me of something simple yet powerful: encouragement matters.
The Ripple Effect of Small Gestures
What struck me wasn’t just the kindness itself, but how it changed my entire experience. One person’s enthusiastic response transformed what could have been an anxious moment into pure joy.
Think about the environments where you’ve felt most willing to try new things or take risks. Chances are, they were places where people celebrated attempts rather than just achievements.
Creating Encouraging Environments
- At work: When someone shares a rough idea or asks a question that reveals gaps in knowledge, how do we respond? Do we make them glad they spoke up, or do we subtly discourage future contributions?
- In learning: When people are developing new skills, are we celebrating progress or waiting for perfection?
- In daily interactions: Do we notice when people stretch beyond their comfort zones, even in small ways?
The surfer on the beach didn’t have to stop and clap. They chose to celebrate a moment of someone trying something new, and that choice created connection and joy for both of us.
The Question That Matters
So here’s my takeaway: Who can you cheer on today?
A kind word or a little cheer might be exactly what someone needs to take their next step in whatever they are doing—or to just smile and enjoy the moment.
It doesn’t require expertise or lengthy feedback. Sometimes it’s as simple as:
- “I love that you’re trying this!”
- “That’s so cool that you’re learning xyz”
- “I admire how you approached that”
The person learning guitar in their apartment. The colleague presenting an idea they’re nervous about. The friend trying a new hobby. The teammate asking questions to understand better. Small encouragements compound. They build environments where people feel safe to be beginners, to experiment, to grow.
(And who knows, maybe they’ll buy a piano next.)
So, what small encouragement could you offer someone today?