Few things build a person up like affirmation. According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition (Simon and Schuster, 1991), the word affirm comes from ad firmare, which means “to make firm.” So when you affirm people, you make firm within them the things you see about them. Do that often enough, and the belief that solidifies within them will become stronger than the doubts they have about themselves.

When I was 17, I made the decision to have a good attitude. I was a junior in high school; the coach said I was going to be the captain of my basketball team. I thought – that surprised me because I wasn’t the best player. John Thomas was better than me, and I was probably second or third best player. And I kept thinking, “Why am I going to be the captain?” I think everybody else was thinking that too. And the coach then answered, “The reason John is going to be the captain is he has the best attitude on the team. He encourages others, he believes we can win, he never gives up.”

One person seeking glory doesn't accomplish much. Success is the result of people pulling together to meet common goals.

If you think you are the entire picture, you will never see the big picture.

To be a leader you must be able to create positive change.

We feel unhappy and confused with our life when we don't do the focus or calling that God has on our life.

The key to encouragement is in knowing what gives people courage; what spurs them on to action.