by Belinda Simon

Created on: April 21, 2010   Last Updated: April 26, 2010

Whether you are at the top of the ladder, on your way up or down, or happy to leave the climbing to someone else, you can help others achieve their dreams and goals.

*Compliment them

There is nothing like a genuine compliment to give someone a boost to their confidence. The compliment can be for anything. It is not necessary for it to be related to their dream, as long as you mean it. For someone who has little self-confidence, they may not receive many compliments, disregard it, or not believe what you say. If this is the case, reinforce your compliment by providing specifics. For example, for someone who is struggling with public speaking, you might mention their improved air of confidence, or clear diction.

*Spread the word

Tell others about the small achievements of the one trying to achieve. Suggest they pay the person a compliment too. Perhaps you know someone who has connections, and can help them achieve their goals.

*Praise and encouragement

A little praise and encouragement for attempting a task, or for small achievements builds confidence.

*Offer any helpful hints or shortcuts

Be careful with offering advice, as others may take offense. You will have to judge if the person is likely to consider your advice kindly or not. If you consider they might be offended, another option is to say you heard it somewhere, read it in an article, or saw it on television. They may think more highly of your suggestion if they think it was someone else’s idea. Perhaps you know of a website you can mention, which has information they can use.

*Share an inspirational book

Others may appreciate an inspirational book, especially when a well-known inspirational author, such as Anthony Robbins, writes it. You might say you found the book helpful to you or an acquaintance told you about it.

*Listen to what others are saying.

Sometimes people unknowingly provide information that you can use to help them. For example, a busy young mother might mention she cannot find the time to finish an assignment. Perhaps you could offer to baby sit for her. Another person might appreciate you walking their dog, or preparing a home-cooked meal for them so they can meet a deadline.

*Offer some practical help

They might appreciate an offer to read through an assignment to check for typing or grammatical errors. They may be looking for someone to interview for a market research quiz, or to be a hairdressing model.

By paying attention to what others say or what you sense they need, many opportunities to help are possible. You may even be able to help others achieve their dreams and goals without them being aware of your assistance at the time. It just takes a genuine desire to help— and anything is possible.

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