Q&A for How to Encourage People

Good words of encouragement should focus on validating the other person. Instead of saying "You shouldn't feel scared about that!" say something like "I can tell that you're scared, but I think that you're really brave and that you'll do a great job with this."

One of the best ways to encourage someone who’s down is to recognize their feelings without minimizing them or trying to solve their problems. Say things like, “That sounds really tough,” or “I can tell this is really bothering you.” Let them know that you’re there if they need to talk, and ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Tell them that you believe in them, and assure them that even if it doesn’t seem like it now, their bad feelings are temporary.

Use words that show empathy and compassion, and assure them that you believe in them. For example, you could say, “I know this is really hard, but I’m sure you can do it!” If they’re having a hard time believing that they can accomplish something or that things can get better, give them solid examples of times when things did go well for them. For example, “Remember how you had that amazing recital last month? All that practicing really paid off!” Tell them that you’re proud of them for trying and keeping at it, even when things are tough.

Help them reflect on how much progress they’ve made so far. People are more likely to keep working hard if they see that their efforts are making a difference. Cheer them on and celebrate their progress with them. Let them know that setbacks are normal and that you are proud of them for continuing to work hard despite frustrations and problems they encounter along the way.

Start a gratitude journal and count your blessings every day. Helping other people in worse positions than you will also help you to put things in perspective. Create a mantra and recite it every morning, such as "I am beautiful and capable."

Yes, if you are true friend, it's best if you encourage your friend often.

There are many verses concerning encouragement in the Bible, some of my favorites are Isaiah 40:31 and Joshua 1:9, as well as Proverbs 3:5, which instills a new hope in the reader and reminds us of God's love. Here's a few others: Isaiah 43:2, Isaiah 41:10, John 16:33, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Psalm 55:22, to name a few. I personally recommend the book of Psalms, because many of the Psalms themselves are words of the Psalmist in times of despair or discouragement.

Begin with describing what you love about the group.

Show them some of your pictures, get them inspired and maybe they will want to try this hobby out.

Share your passion for reading with them. Explain why you love reading and what you think is fun about it. Take them to a book store and help them find genres, authors, or books that they find interesting. (In my experience, a disinterest in reading often comes from a lack of exposure to interesting reading material.)

Sit down and have a deep conversation on the matter and help guide them to find better solutions. If they seem ready to start a relationship, maybe take them out for a night of fun and help them realize that maybe they should jump back into the dating scene. This will help him/her to open up and find their true path.

You can say it pretty much just like that. Say something like, "I think we should work together on this, I feel like I'm shouldering a lot of the responsibility here." Give the person clear directions and goals so they know what you expect from them.