Quick Thought Number 4 – The Appreciation File in the Digital Age

Have you recently reached out to and sent a message to someone telling them that you appreciate them?

Way back in 2014, I wrote about having an appreciation file, a physical folder for cards/letters, and an email folder for emails, where I could store positive messages I received from folks I had helped, either at work or through my websites. Then, when I was struggling or needed a pick-me-up, I could browse the file and remind myself that I do have value and can make a difference in people’s lives.

Four years later, it occurred to me that I needed to update that process.

I’ve started taking pictures with my phone of the cards/letters we’ve received over the last couple of years, as well as screenshots of social media comments on my phone.

That does two things:

1. It captures the appreciative comments that I receive on Facebook or Twitter, which were previously missing from the previous file.
2. Gives me a photo album that is with me 24 hours a day that I can browse when I need a lift.

Have you considered how to keep a digital copy of positive messages you’ve received, and how it can help you see the value you provide? Have you reached out recently and sent a message to anyone to let them know that you appreciate them? Maybe it’s time you did both.