I wouldn’t normally share this.
But this one stayed with me.
More than a week later…
and I’m still thinking about it.
I was at a local beauty school.
Relaxing at the bowl.
Moisture treatment.
Eyes closed.
Nowhere to be.
One of the students said,
“I love your makeup.”
A minute later, the young woman washing my hair said it again.
Just like that.
Two simple compliments.
From women who study beauty for a living.
It made my day.
My week.
Maybe even my month.
And here’s what struck me.
It wasn’t dramatic.
It wasn’t deep.
It wasn’t life-altering.
But it landed.
Most of what we say to each other is neutral.
Polite.
Transactional.
Forgettable.
“How are you?”
“Good, thanks.”
“See you soon.”
But when you choose to build someone up?
That lingers.
You never know what someone is carrying.
Or how close they are to doubting themselves.
Or whether they almost didn’t show up that day.
A few sincere words can tip the scale.
If you’re going to give a compliment, make it count.
1. Make it timely.
Say it in the moment. Don’t wait. The power is in the immediacy.
2. Make it specific.
Not “You’re great.”
But “The way you handled that question was calm and confident.”
Specific praise feels real.
3. Make it sincere.
Flattery falls flat.
Truth lands.
4. Make it about effort, not just appearance.
Compliment the preparation.
The courage.
The follow-through.
That’s what builds confidence.
5. Make it generous.
Don’t ration encouragement.
There’s no shortage.
As a career coach, I see how starved people are for acknowledgment.
Smart professionals.
Accomplished leaders.
Talented women who have done extraordinary things.
And yet…
One genuine compliment can soften something.
Open something.
Strengthen something.
It costs nothing.
But it might mean everything.
So here’s your gentle nudge:
If you think it — say it.
If you notice it — name it.
If you admire it — express it.
When was the last time a compliment knocked you over?
And more importantly…
Who could you build up today?
I see you,
Catherine Jewell
Career Passion® Coach
PS: If you are starved for compliments, it could be that you’re in the wrong environment. Want to talk about a change? Schedule a complimentary Zoom meeting with me.
