Recognition Matters

Why discernment gives praise its weight

Photo by Bonnie S. Heisse.

I believe that in today’s society, we’ve cheapened real accomplishment.

Recognition matters.

We all want to be seen, and there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging hard work and a job well done. Milestones such as high school graduation, college or trade school completion, and other meaningful achievements deserve recognition. It doesn’t have to be a grand production. Sometimes a simple, heartfelt thank-you is more than enough.

At its core, recognition is about being noticed.

But there’s a line — and I think we’ve crossed it. Our focus on including everyone has watered down what it means to excel truly.

Not everything, and not everyone, needs to be publicly recognized. When praise becomes automatic, it loses its weight. If you get an “atta boy” every time you do something well, it diminishes the truly remarkable moments. Real life doesn’t celebrate everything indiscriminately.

And that isn’t cruelty.

It’s reality.

Public recognition should be reserved for noteworthy effort — for those who go above and beyond the norm.

Last night, I attended an awards banquet. Not everyone received an award, and that was intentional. The purpose wasn’t to make sure no one felt left out. The purpose was to acknowledge genuine accomplishment.

So, if you’re wondering — no, I didn’t receive an award. Nor was I expecting one. The people who earned the recognition received it, precisely as it should be.

And yet, during the evening, I felt compelled to thank one of the servers. Someone working quietly in the background. Not because they needed public applause, but because they deserved to know they weren’t invisible. Their service mattered. Their effort was noticed. That acknowledgment didn’t require a microphone or a room full of people. It belonged in a private moment.

That’s the difference.

Public recognition should be discerning.

Private encouragement should be generous.

Seeing people doesn’t always require a spotlight.

🌿 One Dreams Writing — Faith-filled reflections for life’s everyday turning points.