Unexpected Compliments

Negativity bias basically states that we remember bad things much more than good things. Evolutionary psychologists believe we’re hard wired this way so as to avoid being eaten by Saber-tooth Tigers. (The media unfortunately weaponizes this trait to grab our attention. “If it bleeds, it leads.”)

You know what else we remember?

Compliments. Especially unexpected compliments. They stick with us. I suspect that just like we remember bad news or outcomes, we remember compliments because they are rare events. Outliers. They come out of nowhere and blindside us.

And when we receive them, they can make all the difference between continuing on our chosen path, our passion project, our art, or quitting it.

So. Knowing its power, who can you give an unexpected compliment to?

Go do it. It will mean the world to them.