Don't start with your red pen

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What a beautiful thought that I heard today in a talk! It’s in our nature to always readily take out that red pen to correct other people’s shortcomings or mistakes in whatever they do before anything else. We see our parents, our teachers, our friends, our colleagues, our managers etc. doing this so often and so naturally.

What if we start with the green (or whatever your favourite color is) pen instead to recognise the strengths, highlight the good and accentuate positivity in others ? Imagine it’s you on the receiving end of this, how would you feel? What a stark contrast versus what you would receive from the red pen, right?

There is always something good in each and everyone of us. We just need to be present, look out and recognise it. Doing it makes the other person more confident and joyful to even do a better job. We need more encouragement and acknowledgment, we all can benefit from this. There’s no such thing as too much genuine appreciation!

So my friends, next time when you are about to take out your red pen, replace it with the green one first, showing your honest appreciation in the work that people have put their efforts into. You might make someone’s day, or change someone’s life with that green pen!

Of course, we also need to give feedback that can help people grow. We shouldn’t shy away from this either but this can come after. You can always use your red pen, and if it’s done right with the good intention, it will compliment your green pen beautifully!

Happy writing :) Follow @ourlovequest on Instagram & Facebook if you love love

Share this with your loved ones to invite them to start with the green pen first