When I was in college, my major challenge was mathematics. I was good at other subjects but failed woefully in mathematics. At one point I felt I didn't need mathematics to succeed in life, but there was this guy who never gave up on me. He believed I could do it when I had given up on myself and he took it upon himself to teach me the basics while encouraging me to practice in close doors. A few months later, it all seemed like a scale fell off my eyes and the logic to solving mathematical problems became made known to me. I graduated as the 5th best student in mathematics.
It's possible that sometimes people see us beyond the level in which we see ourselves. We may not really understand how far we can go until we have a push. Self-motivation is important, however, we may also give room to self-limitation without our awareness. We need friends and families who believe in us. Most people who climbed to the top had something or someone that kept them motivated throughout their journey to greatness and vice versa. Sometimes we need to know we aren't the only ones who believe in ourselves.
The role of encouragement could be studied in the life of a child who's attempting to walk for the first time. Whenever he falls on the floor, the reaction around him determines whether he goes further or remains on the floor. In school, an applause is given to a child, not just as a product of his hard work but also as a form of encouragement to do better.
Forms of encouragement
People are encouraged in various Ways, it could be through words, gifts, money, a bonus, etc. Depending on the organization or their needs at that moment. Encouragement most times doesn't require something huge or a lengthy line of words, a simple "I believe in you, Thank you for what you do" could be a lot to such an individual. Encouragement motivates people to do more, push harder, and give in their best. People in an organization would be reluctant to give in their best If there's no encouragement in any form.
Role of encouragement In reaching a goal
People starting out a new project often hope that people would trust them enough to invest in them or their project. If a lot of people invest, it encourages them to grow the project into a dream they had visualized from the beginning trusting people would invest in them and reverse is the case when the project lacks support, it folds up after a while and soon experiences death. Encouragement is needed in every section of life and this is required to lift up one's spirit to attain a goal he dreamt of.
