This post is part of our RallyGrow series, covering 10 human skills that drive real impact in life and work.
Appreciate Often
Appreciation might seem simple but it’s one of the most powerful skills we have for staying grounded, building relationships, and keeping momentum in the face of challenges. It reminds us that growth isn’t just about pushing harder. It’s also about pausing to notice what’s already working.
Appreciation is the final skill in the last RallyGrow module of Overcome Your Challenges. That’s not an accident. We put it at the end because appreciation helps us make meaning of everything that came before. It’s how we integrate the learning, celebrate progress, and reconnect with what matters.
Types of Appreciation
There are four types of appreciation we introduce in the course. Each one offers a different way to slow down and take in the good.
- The first is gratitude. This is the practice of being thankful for what you have. Not just the big wins, but the small stuff too. A kind message, a stress-free morning, a teammate who had your back or gave you some valuable feedback or insight. Gratitude shifts your attention away from what’s missing and toward what’s already here.
- The second is recognition. This is about noticing and naming the contributions of others. A quick thank you, a shoutout in a meeting, or even just saying “I see how hard you’re working” can go a long way. People don’t need a parade, but they do need to know they matter.
- The third is mindful awareness. This is appreciating the present moment as it’s happening. It might be a moment of calm in a hectic day. Or recognizing how far you’ve come. Or noticing something beautiful and letting it land, just for a second.
- The fourth is growth-oriented appreciation. This one connects directly to resilience. It’s about seeing value in the hard stuff. The missteps, the feedback, the tough moments that shaped you.
Self-compassion
We also talk a lot about self-appreciation. Not in a self-congratulatory way, but in the form of self-compassion. Dr. Kristin Neff’s work in this space is powerful. She outlines three practices that help people stay steady and kind with themselves, especially in tough moments.
- Self Kindness: This involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a good friend. Actively comforting yourself during difficult moments reduces emotional exhaustion and stress.
- Common Humanity: Realizing that imperfection is a shared experience helps us not feel isolated in our struggles. By understanding that everyone faces challenges, we develop empathy not only for others but also for ourselves.
- Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness means staying present with your own emotions and needs without over-identifying with the suffering of others. It allows you to acknowledge your feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Happiness Jar
If you want a small way to start practicing appreciation daily, try creating a Happiness Jar. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Grab a jar, a box, or even a digital note on your phone. At the end of each day, write down something that made you feel good. It could be a win, a moment of connection, or just something that made you smile. Over time, the jar fills up. And when you’re having a rough day, you have a backlog of joy and perspective waiting for you.
Personal Board of Directors
One more tool we love is the idea of a Personal Board of Directors. Why should CEOs be the only ones to leverage a group of smart people on a regular basis to share their wisdom and experience on decisions big and small? These are the people who help you grow and stay grounded and can fit into a few categories:
- The Clarifier asks you great questions.
- The Connector introduces you to the right people.
- The Challenger sees your potential and won’t let you coast.
- The Wise Person brings lived experience and insight that helps you see around corners.
Think about who these people are for you. And if you don’t have them yet, consider who you might invite into those roles.
Appreciation isn’t about sugarcoating. It’s about remembering that progress is happening, even when it’s messy. That the people around you (yourself included) are doing more right than wrong, more growing than failing.
So, before you move on to the next thing, take a second. What’s something or someone you’re grateful for right now? Say it out loud. Write it down. Send a text, email, or quick video message. Let them know. There is even a term for this called Positive Alacrity, the act of consistently delivering micro-experiences that have a positive, uplifting impact on others (and yourself).
When you make appreciation a practice, it becomes part of how you see the world. And that changes everything.
We invite you to explore these concepts more deeply through the resources below.
Quick Hits Short reads, videos, and podcasts to get inspired and start applying right away.
- Read this piece from Jim Collins about “Looking out for Number One” about building a personal board of directors
- Watch / read moving from entitlement to appreciation
- 30 Days of Appreciation guide
- Read about the “Secret to Happiness” through Positive Alacrity
This is the final skill in the RallyGrow course. Check out a recap of all the RallyGrow modules and skills here.
Interested in learning more or exploring RallyGrow?
Check it out for yourself at: rallydaypartners.learnworlds.com
Email rallygrow@rallydaypartners.com with any questions, feedback, or to request our workshop material to lead your own cohort through the course or specific modules.
