ABSTRACT
By focusing on effort, one will find improvement in their relationships and, even more important, improvement in the skills of the individuals with whom one is working. Focusing on efforts and contributions contrasts with focusing only on completed actions or outstanding behaviors. When one focuses on effort, one is taking a different perceptual approach to the situation. One is not burdened by the limitations, the negative occurrences, or anything else that appears to restrict the individual’s progress. One clearly focuses on the effort instead of only the final product. This emphasis on the effort provides a unique way of supporting the individual who is still in the process of moving toward greater success. Perceptual alternative skills are helpful in the process of focusing on efforts. These alternatives help one recognize any positive effort the person is making, even though not directly in the area of criticism or concern.
