Happy Father's Day!

Today is the perfect opportunity to express appreciation to and for the men in your life. Don't waste any more time – today is the day!

Appreciation is an essential tool that systematically increases communication, goodwill, and understanding within relationships. It's like depositing money in an emotional bank account.

What is appreciation really? And why practice it?

Appreciation is gratitude and thankful recognition. It's one of the most powerful ways we feel and know we are truly being seen by another person.

How powerful is it? Appreciation is so powerful that research has shown it's one of the five core ways we understand receiving love from another human.

For example, The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman is a trusted methodology for cracking the code on how you and others in your life emotionally recognize love. (You can take the free quiz online)

Similar in approach to personality typing such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), The 5 Love Languages reveals how to really “get” what matters to your partner and what to do about it.

No matter your preference, it's undeniable that all humans need some level of appreciation in all areas of their lives and it's a good idea to give it to the people and situations with which you want to have an effective relationship.

How does this work?  Well, I'll go first.

Here's what I'm in appreciation on this Father's Day.

• I am in deep appreciation for my Dad, grandfathers' legacies, uncles, and cousins who have always been there and provided for me no matter what with their love, protection, and insight.
• I remain grateful and prayerful for the long-term sustainability of my Dad's physical health.
• I am privileged and blessed to have incredible male friends, colleagues, clients,and business partners in my life who show me on a daily basis what it takes to be considered a Man of Integrity.

What are your gratitudes today?

Ok, so let's step this up a notch because appreciation is a daily practice.

We'll start with inspiration by fellow Massachusetts native John F. Kennedy.

Even in what we would consider a crap situation there is appreciation to be had. In your business, or on the job, gratitude can shift your mind.

Examples: “I appreciate…”

• My talented colleagues, bosses, clients, board of directors, employees, stockholders, partners, and investors
• My regular paycheck, unemployment check, retirement fund, savings, company stocks, and investments
• My ability to lead, inspire, communicate, implement, and follow-up
• My health because without it there is no wealth
• My partner and family's support of my dreams, even on a bad day
• My desire to do what I love every day and get paid for it
• My need to serve others through meaningful work
• My country's freedom that allows me to get a job, quit a job, start or fold a business, retire to Florida, or go back to school at age 80.