As parents and teachers, we’re good about praising the effort of our kids.
We tell them we’re happy they tried their best when they don’t finish first. We point out that being nice to others is a winning strategy, even when others don’t always reciprocate. We acknowledge the solid attempt, not just the favorable outcome.
Once we grow up, we don’t get this type of credit very much.
Instead, as adults, we live under the constant pressure of a results-oriented culture. Yes, the bottom line matters, but there are times when well-intentioned actions don’t produce like we wanted. We need those failures counter-balanced by crediting what went right, to create a better outlook for next time.
Works for children. Works for grown-ups too.