Focus on Praise

Every author wonders how their words will land. Will the message connect? Will the work resonate? Will the reader feel seen, supported and inspired?

That’s why I’m so grateful for Andy Follows and his beautiful reflections on my book, Focus on Why, shared in his Side Mirror episode of the Career-View Mirror podcast. His words went further than simply offering his feedback, they delivered a mirror of what I had hoped to achieve, held up with care, clarity and kindness.

Andy described my book as ‘well written' and said my voice came through as ‘empathetic yet authoritative' and that 'it carries weight’. He then shared that, ‘If she were your schoolteacher, she'd be the one you didn't want to disappoint.' That comment hit me deeply. In fact, it moved me to tears, not because I seek to be revered but because I thought of the incredible impact a particular teacher had on me. That meant this compliment represented trust, respect and connection, exactly the foundation I’d hoped to create.

Andy also noted the challenge I placed at the heart of the book: that what I’m asking readers to do ‘is not going to be easy’, but that it ‘will be the most worthwhile piece of work’ they’ll ever do. It's true because that's the nature of purpose work. It will stretch you but it’s always worth it. He also acknowledged the balance I'd tried to strike, sharing my own vulnerabilities ‘without it being self-indulgent’ and recognised that I don’t ask anything of the reader that I haven’t done myself. Again, absolutely spot on!

Then there was this. 'Her voice seems to transcend time. I can imagine her lines being quoted alongside great writers, authors and thinkers of any age.' As someone who spent countless hours wrestling with words hoping they might someday matter, this kind of praise again brought me to tears. Andy admitted to being moved to tears himself while reading some sections describing the book as ‘densely packed with short sentences full of wisdom’ and as being the kind of book which one returns to for the exercises and for the insight which evolves as you do.

So, as an author, I don’t know if there’s higher praise than this and it's for this reason I’m pausing today not to focus on feedback but on praise because sometimes it’s OK to let the good stuff really sink in.

Andy, for this praise, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I’m deeply, humbly grateful to you taking the time to share your personal reflections with actions from Focus on Why so publicly.

Focus on Praise. Focus on Why.

REFLECTION WITH ACTION: What’s the most meaningful piece of praise you’ve ever received and how might you let it truly land today?