Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One-Minute Manager, teaches his seminar participants to “catch people doing something right . . . and acknowledge them for it.” Appreciation and acknowledgment are so powerful, and yet few people understand that.

“Thank you” are two of the most powerful words in the English language, but they may very well be the most under-utilized.

We are quick to complain, but slow to compliment. We don’t hesitate to point out what’s wrong, but completely neglect to point out what’s right. We’re eager to find fault, but reluctant to praise. We lament our woes, but overlook our blessings.

Esther and Jerry Hicks, in their book, Ask and It Is Given, write:

A desire to appreciate is a very good first step; and then as you find more things that you would like to feel appreciation for, it quickly gains momentum. And as you want to feel appreciation, you attract something to appreciate. And as you appreciate it, then you attract something else to appreciate, until, in time, you are experiencing a Rampage of Appreciation.

Don’t you just love that image? . . . a Rampage of Appreciation! Expressing our gratitude brings us more things to be grateful for.

No matter what’s going on around you, look for things to appreciate, and then express your appreciation. Express it to other people and express it to God.

If you want more to be grateful for, start by being more grateful.