What You Say If You Want To Write A Letter of Congratulations, or a Note of Congratulations
By Gene Griessman, Ph.D.
Juliana,
I am absolutely delighted to know about your latest accomplishment. Black belt!
Black belt is cool–very, very cool. Black belt is something most people just dream about, but you have done it.
What makes this accomplishment so important is that you have pursued something extraordinarily difficult to the very end. That takes resolution, discipline, sacrifice.
And what is more, you have remained friendly and modest and kind. It makes our planet a better place whenever a good person triumphs.
I knew that you were headed for great things several years ago when I saw how much you love books. Books will be good friends throughout your journey.
I am a big fan of yours. Before long I know people will be talking about yet another of your accomplishments. Do keep me on your list so that I can join in the cheering.
Most of us know that there usually are setbacks on the way to high achievement, and if that should happen to you, and I can be of help, let me know.
Love,
PS. Please confirm that you have received this email. Sometimes email get stuck in the Internet, and I don’t want that to happen to this very heartfelt message.
Commentary
Here are recommendations about how you can use this note of congratulations, which I actually sent to my granddaughter Juliana.
One. Make it specific. Juliana’s accomplishment was earning a black belt, but you can write something similar about virtually any significant accomplishment. Here’s an example: “I am absolutely delighted to know about your latest accomplishment. Valedictorian! Valedictorian is cool–very, very cool. Most people only dream about being valedictorian.” If you want to write a business letter to a colleague or friend, you can use this same format.
Two. Mention the significance of the achievement. We like to feel that we are special.
Three. Mention something that the individual did that you noticed. In this case, it was reading books.
Four. Be a fan and a supporter, and let the recipient know it.
Five. If you send your message in the form of an email–Let’s face it, more and more messages are sent electronically–ask for confirmation.
Don’t be surprised if your message of congratulations gets saved and cherished for the rest of someone’s life. That’s what happened to some notes and letters that I’ve received through the years.
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