Starting A ‘Thank You Revolution’

This post is part of a new series called “Shock the Status Quo.”

In a lesson to entrepreneurs, author and radio show host Dave Ramsey said the last time many of us ever received an ovation was at our high school graduation.

That’s kind of sad. But it’s true.

Dave was teaching on recognition in that lesson, and encouraging a group of business leaders to seek out opportunities to recognize team members on the spot. It’s powerful.

It shocks the status quo.

But this post isn’t about doing what Dave said. It’s instead about something related.

The power of “thank you.”

‘Thank you Revolution’

My friend Matt McWilliams is leading a soft revolution.

What started as a single blog post blossomed into a full-on war to inspire people to give hand-written, thank-you notes.

Why is he doing this?

To shock the status quo.

In his words, “Two words not said enough, by bosses, by spouses, by friends, or by strangers on the street. We can change that.”

You see Matt understands that people are busy. They get into routines and focused on tasks.

As a result, we simply never think to say “thank you” or we never make time. Perhaps we even feel a little awkward about it.

His Mission Is Your’s

Regardless, Matt’s mission, which I fully signed onto, is to inspire people to be intentional about improving their relationships by not just saying “thank you,” but writing it down in a note – a rare thing nowadays.

We’ve probably all heard now that we’re all using electrons to communicate, a hand-written note is powerful.

And I’d say it’s safe to say most of us value our relationships.

If so, what’s stopping us from doing this?

What’s Stopping Us?

What’s stopping us from taking 1-2 minutes to tell our spouse, co-worker, boss, pastor, friend or even a stranger who held the door for one of us “thank you” in writing.

I can tell you from experience it works. It totally shocks the status quo for you, the person on the receiving end, and interestingly enough, it’s paid forward and shocks the status quo in other people’s lives.

I encourage you to suit up and do this. If you feel vulnerable and uncomfortable doing it, I encourage you to muster the strength and try it just once with someone you fully trust.

Your weaponry consists of a pen, piece of paper and the ability to care.

You can read more about the revolution and get Matt’s FREE e-book called The Power of Gratitude at his blog here.

Question: When’s the last time you received a hand-written, thank you note? How did it impact you?