Yesterday, a friend of mine had a real wake-up call.

He’s been a loyal customer of the same auto service shop for years, bringing his car in every couple of months without fail. But this time, he forgot his wallet at home. He did have his AMEX card on him, but the shop didn’t accept it. Instead of allowing him to run home and grab his wallet, the owner—someone he’s known and trusted for ages—insisted that someone bring another form of payment before he’d release the car.

Then came the kicker. The owner actually said, “So you want me to chase you around to get paid?”

For $39.

This is a classic example of not being able to see the forest for the trees.

So often, we get caught up in policies, procedures, and momentary frustrations, forgetting to see the bigger picture. That shop owner wasn’t just dealing with a random customer—he was dealing with someone who had supported his business for years. A little trust and flexibility could have gone a long way.

It got me thinking about the power of appreciation. When people feel valued, they naturally want to give more. Even kids understand this—if you’ve ever seen a toddler help out with something and then light up when they’re praised, you know what I mean. We all crave that sense of recognition.

But what happens when appreciation fades? When people feel like their efforts go unnoticed, their enthusiasm starts to dwindle. They disengage. They hold back.

I realized that this applies to so many areas of life. How often do we hesitate to go the extra mile because we don’t think it’ll be appreciated? And on the flip side, how often do we fail to show appreciation for others and then wonder why they’re not as motivated?

The truth is, we can’t always rely on external validation. That’s where self-esteem and confidence come in. The people who succeed—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth—are the ones who recognize their own value, even when others don’t. They don’t wait for applause; they just keep showing up and giving their best.

And that’s the secret. Success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about showing up, being of service, and focusing on helping others. When you make that your priority, everything else starts to fall into place.

And if appreciation doesn’t come from others?

That’s why self-affirmation matters. You have to remind yourself of your own worth. Every single day.

Today’s Winning Beliefs:

• I am committed to serving others.
• My purpose is to make a difference.
• The more I help, the more I receive in return.
• I trust in my ability to add value.
• Everything I do is rooted in love and service.