Have you ever stumbled upon a book that completely shifts your perspective? For me, that book was “The One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. My introduction to it came while I was at the helm of my nonprofit, Relationship Research Foundation, Inc., in sunny Orange County, CA.

This gem of a book packs a powerful punch with three key techniques: one minute goals, one minute praises, and one minute reprimands. While all are valuable, the one that resonates with me the most is the concept of one minute praise. Can you imagine dedicating just one minute each day to shower your loved ones with heartfelt appreciation

Picture this: offering daily praise to your employees or team members. The goal? To build their confidence and ignite their motivation. Knowing that their hard work is recognized can make all the difference. When we hear “great job” from our manager, it empowers us to strive even harder

—especially on those tough days when we might feel we’ve missed the mark.

This approach doesn’t just apply to the workplace. It’s equally transformative in our personal relationships. Think about taking a moment each day to express a simple “one minute” message to your partner. It could be as small as acknowledging something thoughtful they did or sharing what you truly adore about them.

For example, when your wife brings you that warm cup of coffee in the morning, how does that make you feel? You might say, “Honey, I feel so loved and cared for when you bring me my morning coffee.”

Or when your husband takes out the trash, a quick appreciation could go a long way: “I really appreciate you taking out the trash; it makes my life easier, and I love how we tackle things together as a team.”

And don’t forget to highlight something you love or admire about your partner every day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• “One of the many things I adore about you is your incredible sense of humor; you make me laugh every single day!”
• “I love that you always check in with me before heading to the grocery store—such a thoughtful gesture!”
• “Making the bed every morning creates such a cozy atmosphere; it’s so loving of you!”
• “I feel so cherished when you clean the kitchen—it means a lot to me!”

These small daily acknowledgments may seem like tiny gestures, but they weave a powerful thread of love and connection between you and your partner. They remind you both that you are seen, appreciated, and valued. So why not embark on this journey? Make it your mission to never let a day pass without expressing your gratitude for the little things. Your relationships will flourish in ways you never imagined!

By Dr. M.P. Wylie

Founder and Director of Amore Retreat, Idyllwild, CA