The Stamp Of Approval

We all seek recognition, and this mini podcast outlines how to give and get it.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

Make the Stamp of Approval Stick

I can’t imagine how big a person’s ego has to be to want their face on a postage stamp. But I’m sure those folks exist.

The rest of us? We’re just looking for a stamp of approval.

At some level, we all want recognition. We want to be seen. In a strange way, recognition confirms we exist—that we’re not just drifting through the day unnoticed.

If you think you don’t care about recognition, try this little experiment.

The next time you’re in line at the grocery store, notice how you feel if the cashier spends the whole time chatting with the bagger and never once acknowledges you. No eye contact. No hi, hello, kiss my ass, or anything  . . . except . . . "That'll be $35.98."

That little twinge of irritation you feel? That’s the feeling of not being recognized.

But recognition alone isn’t quite enough. We also want approval.

Sometimes we chase approval for what we do—our accomplishments, our work, our good deeds. But that kind of approval is a bit surface-level.

The deeper approval we’re really after is much simpler.

It’s attention.

One of the greatest gifts you can give another human being is your attention. When you truly pay attention to someone, you’re telling them, you matter.

Without attention, there’s no real bonding agent in the interaction. Words get exchanged, but nothing really sticks.

And we feel that absence immediately.

When someone doesn’t give us their attention, it feels like quiet disapproval—even if they’re nodding and smiling.

Attention, in a very real way, is the stamp of approval.

So pay attention—literally—to how little attention we sometimes give in everyday interactions. When our mind is somewhere else, the person in front of us can feel it.

But when you give someone your undivided attention, something interesting happens.

They feel valued. They light up a little. And almost always, that attention finds its way back to you.

Both people walk away a little richer.

So maybe the U.S. Postal Service ought to issue a brand-new stamp.

They could call it The Stamp of Approval.

My guess? It would end up being their best seller.

All the best,

John