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“We all need to be recognized for the successes we achieve and the work we put into what we value as recognition and appreciation are large factors to our growth” – Hailee Piendl

 

Hailee Piendl (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

Why do we strive for recognition and appreciation?

 

“The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated” – William James. We all need to be recognized for the successes we achieve and the work we put into what we value as recognition and appreciation are large factors to our growth. It is a part of being human and a motivator for almost everyone. We strive for a “job well done” as it fuels the work we put in at our jobs, our relationships, and how we value ourselves.

 

The value of recognition in the workplace

There is a reason one may see a picture framed on the wall of their workplace that reads “employee of the month”. Incentives for employees to do their best and show impeccable customer service is to be recognized by their co-workers that they are “the best” of the month. 

My first job I ever had was at a pet store for minimum wage (shocker) and getting my first raise and being given the responsibility of managing the store was a huge accomplishment. That incentive gave me a boost of confidence in myself and in turn, I became more attentive and did an even better job at work. Hard work pays off after all! 

I believe giving incentives to employees is a great way to grow a company and those who are a part of it. Being praised for a job well done and a plaque to prove it grows one’s confidence and drive to be better, leading to a greater career and overall success of a company. We strive for recognition and appreciation in the workplace to feel respected by a community we value the opinions of.

 

Appreciation in relationships

Studies have proven appreciation and gratitude to be contributing factors to the success of one’s relationship. Whether it be with a spouse or family member, selfless deeds we do for one another would not continue if we did not get recognition for them. Why? Because it is a basic need to feel appreciated in a relationship. 

Many of my romantic relationships have ended because one of us felt invalidated in what we were giving to the relationship. The teeter totter of appreciation was tipped too far to one side and when love isn’t enough, what’s the point of being with someone who doesn’t value you? 

We need recognition to feel loved, to be seen by the one person we love the most. Oftentimes their opinion is the one we value most of all. Therefore, we seek their approval. One of the most common complaints from couples in a committed relationship is “He/she just doesn’t appreciate me”. Thus, they end up in couple’s therapy trying to figure out the underlying issue when a simple “Thank you, dear” would have gone a long way. Knowing it is a part of human psychology to be appreciated would improve relationships. 

 

Our beliefs and how we value ourselves

This is a tricky one, sometimes seen as self centered or selfish but don’t be mistaken. 

Selfishness is defined as: “lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one’s own personal profit or pleasure.” Viewing ourselves in a high regard and believing we are worthy is one of the common qualities of highly successful people. It is not selfish. 

I believe viewing yourself in the highest regard is one of the greatest forms of self-love you can give yourself. The previous forms of validations above are through external sources. However, real success comes from the internal knowing we are worthy of success and love. 

If you don’t have the skill to validate yourself, one will eventually be starved of the external validation we need to be confident and go after our goals. 

 

In conclusion

We all need validation and appreciation because it is a basic need for humans. We gain that validation through external sources such as the community at our workplace and the relationships we share with others. Additionally, we need validation from ourselves to ultimately sustain confidence in ourselves and reach our goals.

 

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My name is Hailee and I have an unbreakable passion for health, wellness, and writing! I started blogging not too long ago and have since enjoyed every second of it. I write fitness and nutrition based articles over on my website www.youngandwyld.com. I am also a bookkeeper by day and online CPT by night who loves to help people achieve their goals while enjoying the process every step of the way:)