I once was visiting the parents of a friend and batchmate in the Civil Services. Their drawing room shelf was overflowing with medals, cups, and trophies won by the kids in their school days.
The trophies and cups had all yellowed and lost their shine – but not in the eyes of the parents. Even though their kids had accomplished so much in life, for the parents, those school trophies meant no less.
What makes our trophies so valuable?
Their value comes from the fact that someone acknowledged your hard work – you earned it.
Money is not the only currency for value. Nor is it the most powerful. A genuine acknowledgement, a word of praise, a heartfelt ‘thank you’ – these are what we remember.
Whenever possible, let people know what their work means to you. You might forget, but they might cherish it for a very long time.
– Rajan