Have you noticed how social media encourages gratefulness all through the month of November?

Perhaps you’re doing one of the many 30 Days of Gratefulness challenges where you post something you’re grateful for each day during the month.

I think that’s great, but I’d like to take it a step further. I think action needs to be added to gratefulness… something beyond a simple Facebook post.

So I’m challenging you to a duel.

Yes, you heard me right. A duel.

“I challenge you to a duel.”

“Very well. The weapon?”

“Compliments.”

“A capital choice.”

“Thank you. I- oh! I see you’ve dueled before!”

Here’s how the Compliment Challenge works

• Each morning think about someone you will see that day. It could be a family member, a co-worker, or the cashier at the grocery store.

• What is it about this person that you appreciate? Maybe it is his hard work in making your day run easier. Or perhaps her laughter is something you look forward to hearing when you’re having a hard day.

• Be specific. What action did the person do that you’re grateful for?

• Acknowledge the character trait that makes the action so helpful. Did the action take courage to complete, creativity, perseverance, or kindness?

• Be real and sincere. Don’t be vague or beat around the bush, be direct.

For example you could say to your child, “It means so much to me when you show kindness to our neighbor by mowing her lawn. I’m so proud of you!”

Or you could say to a co-worker, “Thank you for dropping the mail off at my desk every afternoon. It saves me time, and your cheerful attitude brightens my day.”

Everyone has at least one positive action or attitude about them that you can appreciate, so focus on that one positive thing and how it has impacted you.

Now the best part…

Do this Compliment Challenge with a friend. See how many people you can compliment today. Do it everyday this month. By then it will have become a habit, and you’ll be on your way to changing the world around you. (And changing you in the process!)

So go ahead… challenge someone to a duel today!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Have a great week,

Susan

Interested in growing in the art of giving and receiving a compliment? Read these posts:

How to Accept a Compliment

How to Give Compliments