What a Difference Appreciation Makes

The transformative power of appreciation cannot be overstated, whether in personal relationships or professional settings. In this week's Share the Struggle podcast episode, I explore this concept through a simple yet profound experience that perfectly illustrates how feeling appreciated dramatically changes our outlook and performance.

Just one week after retiring from DJing at a biker saloon where I felt undervalued despite bringing in revenue, I found myself in a completely different scenario - DJing a 9-year-old girl's birthday party. The contrast couldn't have been more striking. At the saloon, I encountered crossed arms and skeptical looks from the very people benefiting from my work. At the birthday party, I was welcomed with tears of joy from the birthday girl (who aspired to be a DJ herself) and genuine gratitude from everyone present. Despite half the time commitment and less stress, I received nearly double the compensation - but more importantly, I received something money can't buy: sincere appreciation.

This experience prompted me to investigate the psychology of appreciation and its effects. Research confirms what I felt intuitively - appreciation is a powerful force that strengthens bonds, improves communication, reduces conflict, and increases overall happiness in personal relationships. When people feel appreciated, they're more likely to engage in honest conversations and less likely to pick fights or harbor resentment. The simple act of showing gratitude creates a positive cycle that benefits both the giver and receiver.

In workplace environments, the impact is equally significant. Employees who feel appreciated demonstrate higher motivation, increased productivity, and greater willingness to go "the extra mile." This aligns perfectly with statistics showing that most Americans don't leave jobs primarily because of pay, but because they don't feel appreciated or believe they're making a difference. Appreciation reduces turnover, improves morale, and enhances teamwork by fostering mutual respect and value throughout an organization.

Perhaps most importantly, appreciation promotes overall well-being across all areas of life. Both giving and receiving appreciation improves mental health, reduces stress, and increases happiness. It encourages resilience by helping us recognize what we have even during difficult times, allowing us to better cope with adversity and maintain perspective. The mindset shift from focusing on what's lacking to appreciating what's present transforms our entire outlook.

My experience DJing for a 9-year-old's birthday (DJ LJT, as she called herself) taught me more than I expected. Watching her eyes light up as she learned the equipment, hearing her take the microphone to thank her guests, and receiving heartfelt gratitude from her family reminded me why appreciation matters so deeply. It wasn't just about the technical aspects of DJing or even the satisfaction of a job well done - it was about creating a meaningful experience where everyone felt valued.

As I embark on my solo journey to the Skowhegan Fair, living in a school bus for nearly two weeks while missing my baby daughter's potential first steps, I'm carrying this lesson with me. The challenges of entrepreneurship require sacrifices, but approaching them with a mindset of appreciation makes all the difference. I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow my business, connect with new communities, and ultimately build something meaningful for my family.

I encourage you to consider how appreciation functions in your own life. Who makes you feel valued? Who might benefit from knowing they're appreciated by you? The simple act of expressing gratitude could transform a relationship, improve a workplace, or simply brighten someone's day. And in doing so, you'll likely find your own outlook improving as well.