Why the Need for Appreciation and the Psychology of Appreciation
Appreciation is the feeling of being liked, accepted, and seen as important by someone else because of a job or action. When someone appreciates you, it means they have noticed, judged, and valued what you have done. While appreciation can come from just one person, it can also flow from many others at times.
The importance of appreciation and its psychological effects are important. Think about how a young child eagerly looks for their parents' approval after learning to swim. Remember a time when you carefully submitted a project and waited for your coworker's feedback? Do you find yourself looking around to see if anyone noticed your helpful actions?
The desire for appreciation and acceptance is a fundamental human trait that has existed since the dawn of humanity, regardless of age. Although it is not classified as a basic need, it is still a significant need that should be fulfilled adequately.
Being appreciated triggers various reactions in our bodies, emotions, and behaviors. During these moments, different feelings start to emerge and become clear. Feeling appreciated is a joyful experience where individuals realize that their thoughts, emotions, and actions are acknowledged by others, leading to feelings of being alive, complete, and valuable.
Additionally, people seek validation for their feelings, thoughts, and actions, which they want to be recognized and approved by others. The urge to be appreciated is understandable, considering humans have an inherent desire to belong to a group, which serves evolutionary purposes.
The impact of appreciation on the human mind is huge. Recognition is vital in professional settings. Being appreciated at work is crucial because it fosters constant interaction and communication.
When colleagues recognize and value our work, behaviors, and communication skills, it enhances our experiences from various angles. Motivation is key in every task we undertake. It serves as a driving force, pushing us to take action. Our levels of motivation depend heavily on both external and internal influences. At this point, appreciation acts as a significant external motivator.
Naturally, knowing that one’s work is acknowledged leads to improved performance. Individuals who feel appreciated often show increased enthusiasm for their tasks and productivity.
One of the most notable benefits of appreciation is its ability to inspire individuals to strive for even better results in future tasks. This is advantageous for employers and is closely linked to the job satisfaction experienced by appreciated employees.