I write this on the back of a life and leadership lesson. Often times in life we can be so encouraged by kind words and affirmation that I believe it can blind us.
Mark Twain said: I can live for 2 months on a good compliment. A great compliment can make the day of even the most distressed or depressed person.
I love encouragement , both giving and receiving. I think that having an atmosphere of encouragement is an asset to any organisation or household. BUT! To get caught up in the buzz of affirmation and encouragement is also dangerous as we can tend to ‘believe our own press’ and begin to believe EVERYTHING is fine!

I think that this has the potential to limit our attention to weakness and be blindsided by issues that have been building for a period of time while we have been ‘oh so encouraged’.

The Bible which I love to read says this in the book of Proverbs 15 verse 22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Get perspective! Have those 1,2 or 3 people that YOU KNOW will always be totally honest with you no matter what.
Ask direct questions of those people like ‘How am I doing?’ or ‘What am I missing?’. The answers to these questions may make you squirm at times but if nothing else will cause you to think and not just be taken by all the affirmation that you receive.

Sometimes when I think or write these things I think maybe this isn’t positive enough , but actually being able to apply this could make you an exceptionally positive person.

go for it!