Do words and encouragement ever actually change people's lives? I used to believe in positive...

Dainbramadge · 56-60, M Best Comment

Validation is golden.
Positive reinforcement works.
Background molds people into what they are as well as what they will become.
For the most part, given positive input, you will get a positive result.
So when you tell someone they are pretty or handsome it makes them feel good that at least one person thinks that. So you have made a bright spot in their day, week or even life. This may cause them to wear better cloths or maybe even get a different haircut.
If you tell someone they are smart, especially if they haven't heard that much in their lives, they may feel like they can do or understand something they previously thought was beyond them.

Jabulani

People have no buisness controlling others lives. Manipluation is messy it affects everyone

Magenta · F

No, I do not believe it actually [i]changes[/i] anything. Of course words can affect us from [i]some[/i] people and It might be encouraging and make someone feel good though. A good example are some who post on social media for years about their insecurities and issues and many will sympathize and offer positive words, yet the person just continues with the exact same behavior the very next day or week. If we can't even change ourselves from positive affirmations, no way are we going to change others. And it's not our responsibility.

P.S I find many affirmations on here annoying, lol. Like someone is trying to force something on me/others. Words feel sometimes pretentious and not genuine, sort of like flattery. [b]We teach by example.[/b]

meggie · F

Most 9f us turive with a bit of encouragement. Sadly there are some who no matter how much encouragement or help they get they will never benefit from it.

Jabulani

Tell someone smart particular feild. Make them have more confidence in other similar abilities of that idea so you both realize there's more to learn outside of what is already learned.

People are very complicated emotions lead to thoughts behaviours to acctions

A positive outlook changes their behavioural actions

There's a drive a push for helping them take another step...

thewindupbirdchronicles · 46-50, M

I accept encouragement in almost all forms, but truly I really only appreciate them from people I care about. I appreciate concern and care from almost anyone, but there is a few that can cut deeply within, I have on a pedestal where their meaning holds more for me? Isn't that the ebb and flow of life?

BeefySenpie · M

Sometimes. There's always the potential for that outcome, but it shouldn't be the main motivation. Some have never had anyone believe in them, so being that person who does will mean the world to them no matter what progress they make

Peaches · F

They can. Words are powerful and can heal or hurt.😔But in the long run they are useless without actions. Don't give up your power to these people, set yourself free❣️🤗💫

sspec

Inner will matters the most and external reinforcement helps but only to an extent. Without self urge, one can't step up the ladder.

PuppetOnStrings

I think encouragement, it plants a seed, often, it needs to be watered with more encouragement.

Jabulani

I also think people who are close to you. Or those who use what makes you talk to them actually affects your core

plungesponge · 41-45, M

To be honest, the words that have shifted the trajectory of my life mostly come from people I hate

Dainbramadge · 56-60, M

Thank you for best comment :-)

OogieBoogie · F

Only if they come with understanding and meaning.

To encourage, even with a full heart , if you dont know someone , it is hollow .

Mrsbetweenfatandfit · 26-30, F

The pygmalion effect? That was focused on students and learning but I think it may be applicable to this as well.