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Offering words of encouragement to the people in your life
50+ inspirational quotes to encourage everyone in your life
10 famous quotes for offering encouragement through hard times
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Offering words of encouragement to the people in your life
50+ inspirational quotes to encourage everyone in your life
10 famous quotes for offering encouragement through hard times
Everyone needs someone to uplift them in life. But offering words of encouragement can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to say. Fortunately, there’s usually a way to approach every situation.
Whether you’re trying to inspire a coworker, comfort a friend, or support a partner, having the right words can make things easier. This list of encouraging words will help you share the right kind of support and encouragement with everyone in your life.
It can be awkward to encourage someone going through a hard time. Many people find it difficult to find the right words. It’s a very common feeling, so don’t feel bad. Generally speaking, your recipient may remember your sentiment more than your words.
If you’re unsure how to support someone with words of encouragement, the tips below can help:
Speak, then listen: Many people perceive words of encouragement as an opportunity to talk about themselves. Practice active listening and empathy. Show that you genuinely care about their concerns and feelings.
Say it from the heart: Be sincere in your encouragement, and avoid generic phrases that may sound hollow. It’s OK to acknowledge someone’s hardships while encouraging them with the belief that they can overcome their challenges.
Make things personal: When you’re chatting with someone going through a difficult time, one size does not fit all. Try to tailor your support to the individual’s needs and situation. What works for one person may not work for another, and every situation is different. Consider the specifics when offering words of support.
Be specific: When it comes down to it, be actionable. Give examples, be detailed in your compliments, and offer ways for them to cultivate a positive mindset. Share words that highlight their strengths or progress, however small it may seem.
Offer a positive perspective: Many of life’s struggles are temporary. Encourage them to build resilience through perseverance and remind them of their past successes. Be sure your recipient is ready to see the bright side. Sometimes, people have to process events before they can look for positives in a situation.
Convey sincerity in your voice: Use a tone that conveys warmth and kindness to reinforce your message of support. Take the time to consider your words and how they’ll land with your recipient.
Keep in touch: Follow up with your friend or loved one to provide ongoing support. It shows that your encouragement wasn’t a one-time gesture but a heartfelt hope for better days. Engage in the right type of listening or offer support if they reach out.
Every situation and person is unique, so support and encouragement can look different depending on the circumstances. What reassures one person may not resonate with another, and the context is important. Other times, it’s a matter of offering motivation versus inspiration. Recognizing these nuances is key to providing genuine, impactful support.
If you need to offer words of support, use these 40+ inspirational examples to encourage friends or loved ones on their distinct journeys. From uplifting words to phrases of comfort, this list can help you support everyone in your life.
Need the right words to add to a card or a text? Your words of support and encouragement can help a friend or family member remember that they have a great support system to lean on:
When you love someone, you become their biggest cheerleader. Use these words of encouragement for a pick-me-up to help your partner through life challenges or a difficult chapter of life:
Teamwork means sticking together through the difficult times. If you have a coworker going through a personal or professional challenge who you believe would welcome a boost, or you’re a manager motivating a team, offer some words to lighten their spirits.
Here are some examples to lift up or praise someone professionally:
All kids thrive on encouragement when they take on new challenges or situations. It might even set kids up to explore situations and boundaries with more confidence.
If you have a young person in your life, cheer them on with some words to support them:
Everyone needs a boost when they’re going for a big goal or face bad days. The road to success has twists and turns, and the motivation and inspiration of a friend or family member can make a difference.
Share some good vibes with these words to motivate a team or inspire someone in your life:
Be your own best friend, and talk to yourself just as you would to a friend or loved one. This includes being caring and supportive in your self-talk, especially during a difficult chapter in your life. These examples of self-motivation can help you get inspired. Use these affirmations for imposter syndrome moments, especially if these feelings affect your mental health.
These positive self-talk examples can boost self-motivation, helping you center your focus on success, or encourage you through tough times:
There are times when words and encouragement feel inadequate for the situation. When someone is facing especially difficult news, such as an illness, a death in the family, a divorce, a job loss, or another significant setback, showing support can be more difficult.
Use these tips to show your support when someone is going through a hard time:
Simply being there for someone can speak volumes. Be present as a source of comfort without the need for words or actions.
During tough times, daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Offer specific ways you can help, whether it’s running errands, cooking meals, or taking care of pets.
If a friend or loved one is struggling to cope, gently suggest that they ask for help from a mental health professional. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments, if appropriate.
Understand that everyone copes differently and at their own pace. Be patient and avoid pushing them to move on before they’re ready.
Without minimizing their pain, remind them of their resilience and past instances when they’ve overcome challenges.
In efforts to help, ensure you’re not overstepping boundaries that might make them feel powerless or pitied.
When the time is right, gently encourage activities that might bring them small moments of happiness or distraction from their grief.
Show consistent support without overwhelming them with attention or expecting a quick recovery.
Sometimes, individuals facing hardship may need assistance in dealing with insurance companies or employers but lack the strength to speak up for themselves. Encourage self-advocacy or offer your help in these situations while respecting their autonomy.
While maintaining hope is important, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the reality of the situation and not dismiss their feelings with overly optimistic assurances.
Everyone deserves the right kind of support. It’s wonderful to offer it to others, but you also deserve to receive encouragement through life’s challenges. BetterUp offers you the chance to connect with a professional coach who can guide you toward personal growth and resilience.
A coach can help you be more supportive in your relationships while getting the support you need. Get and give support more easily with BetterUp.
Understand Yourself Better:
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Learn how to leverage your natural strengths to determine your next steps and meet your goals faster.Belynda is a freelance content writer with 15+ years of experience writing for the SaaS, technology, and finance industries. She loves helping scrappy startups and household names connect with the right audiences. Away from the office, Belynda enjoys reading and writing fiction, singing, and horseback riding. Her favorite activity is traveling with her husband and children. Belynda holds a B.A. in English from Northeastern University.
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