Encouraging others is a key part of being a good leader, friend, or colleague. While “keep up the good work” is a classic phrase, it can start to feel stale if used too often. Here are 20 fresh ways to praise someone’s efforts and motivate them to keep going strong.
Is It Professional to Say “Keep up The Good Work”?
Yes, it’s professional to say “Keep up the good work” at work. It’s a nice way to tell someone they’re doing well and should keep doing what they’re doing. It shows you value their work. But don’t say it too much or it might sound like you’re not really thinking about what you’re saying. Try using different words sometimes, like “Great job” or “You’re doing well.” This shows you really mean it when you say nice things about someone’s work.
What To Say Instead of “Keep Up The Good Work”
- You’re on fire!
- You’re crushing it!
- Your hard work is paying off!
- You’re making waves!
- You’re knocking it out of the park!
- Your progress is impressive!
- You’re raising the bar!
- You’re on a roll!
- Your dedication is paying dividends!
- You’re a rising star!
- You’re shining bright!
- You’re on a winning streak!
- You’re growing stronger every day!
- You’re zooming ahead!
- You’re hitting all the right notes!
- You’re a problem-solving wizard!
- You’re blooming where you’re planted!
- You’re painting a masterpiece!
- You’re turning heads!
- You’re planting seeds of success!
1. You’re on fire:
“You’re on fire” packs a punch. It suggests that someone is performing exceptionally well, almost as if they’re unstoppable. Using this expression shows enthusiasm and can really boost someone’s confidence.
It’s perfect for when you want to acknowledge a streak of great performances or a particularly impressive achievement.
Example: [Instagram comment]
SarahTheArtist Your latest paintings are incredible! You’re on fire lately! 🔥 Can’t wait to see what you create next
2. You’re crushing it:
When someone is doing an outstanding job, especially in tackling challenging tasks,”You’re crushing it” fits perfectly. It implies that the person is not just succeeding, but dominating their goals or obstacles. This casual, modern expression is great for giving a pat on the back to a colleague or friend who’s really excelling.
Example: [Text message]
Hey Alex, heard about your presentation today. The boss said you’re crushing it on this project! Keep that momentum going!
3. Your hard work is paying off:
“Your hard work is paying off” acknowledges both the effort someone has put in and the positive results they’re seeing. It’s a great way to show that you’ve noticed their dedication and that it’s leading to success.
Use this when you want to encourage someone to keep putting in the effort because it’s clearly making a difference.
Example: [Email]
Dear Emma, I’ve been reviewing the team’s progress reports, and I must say, your hard work is paying off! The client satisfaction scores for your projects are through the roof. Well done!
4. You’re making waves:
This colorful expression suggests that someone’s actions or achievements are causing a stir in a good way. It’s perfect for recognizing work that’s innovative or getting a lot of positive attention.
Use this phrase when you want to highlight how someone’s efforts are creating a noticeable impact.
Example: [LinkedIn post]
Congratulations to our star employee, Michael Chen! Your innovative approach to customer service is making waves in the industry. Proud to have you on our team
5. You’re knocking it out of the park:
Borrowed from baseball, “You’re knocking it out of the park” means someone is performing far beyond expectations. It’s a fun, energetic way to express that you’re impressed with someone’s achievements.
Use this when you want to convey that the person isn’t just meeting standards, but exceeding them by a long shot.
Example: [Team chat message]
Sophia, I just saw the numbers for your latest marketing campaign. You’re knocking it out of the park! 🏆 The whole team could learn from your strategies.
6. Your progress is impressive:
“Your progress is impressive” is perfect for acknowledging improvement over time. It’s especially useful when someone has been working hard to develop a skill or reach a goal.
By using this, you’re showing that you’ve been paying attention to their journey and appreciate their growth.
Example: [Feedback form]
David, your progress is impressive! Six months ago, you were struggling with public speaking. Now, you’re confidently leading team presentations. Keep challenging yourself!
7. You’re raising the bar:
When someone sets a new standard of excellence, this is the phrase to use. It suggests that their performance is so good, it’s setting new expectations for what’s possible.
This expression is great for motivating not just the individual, but potentially inspiring others to aim higher too.
Example: [Company newsletter]
A big shoutout to Aisha in Customer Support! Your consistent 5-star ratings are raising the bar for the entire department. Your dedication to our clients is truly outstanding.
8. You’re on a roll:
“You’re on a roll” is perfect for acknowledging a streak of successes. It suggests momentum and continued success, which can be very motivating.
Use this when someone has been consistently performing well and you want to encourage them to keep that positive streak going.
Example: [Slack message]
Ryan, you’re on a roll with these designs! 🎨 The last three clients loved your work at first sight. Whatever you’re doing, don’t stop!
9. Your dedication is paying dividends:
“Your dedication is paying dividends” is a bit more formal but very powerful. It’s a great way to recognize someone’s commitment and the positive results it’s bringing.
By using a financial metaphor, it suggests that their hard work is a smart investment that’s yielding returns. Use this when you want to acknowledge both effort and outcome.
Example: [Performance review]
Jennifer, your dedication to improving our manufacturing process is paying dividends. Efficiency is up 30%, and we’ve reduced waste significantly. Your commitment to excellence is exactly what this company needs.
10. You’re a rising star:
“You’re a rising star” suggests that someone is showing great potential and is on a trajectory towards even greater success. It’s particularly good for newer team members or those taking on expanded responsibilities.
Use this when you want to acknowledge someone’s current achievements while also expressing confidence in their future performance.
Example: [Recommendation letter]
It’s my pleasure to recommend Carlos. In just a year with our organization, he’s proven himself to be a rising star in data analysis. His innovative approaches have already led to significant insights for our clients.
11. You’re shining bright:
“You’re shining bright” paints a picture of someone who stands out in a good way. It’s like saying they’re as noticeable as a bright star in the sky. Use this when someone is doing so well that others can’t help but notice their great work.
Example: [Teacher’s note]
Lily, your latest art project is amazing! You’re shining bright in class lately. Keep bringing your creativity to every assignment!
12. You’re on a winning streak:
“You’re on a winning streak” suggests that someone is having one success after another. It’s like they’re playing a game and winning over and over. Use this when someone has done well several times in a row.
Example: [Text message]
Hey Tom, heard you got another A on your math test. You’re on a winning streak! 🏆 Your hard work in study group is really paying off.
13. You’re growing stronger every day:
“You’re growing stronger every day” focuses on someone’s ongoing improvement. It’s like saying they’re getting better and better, just like a plant that grows taller and stronger. Use this when you want to point out someone’s steady progress.
Example: [Gym trainer’s feedback]
Great job on your workout today, Maria! You’re growing stronger every day. Remember how you struggled with 5-pound weights last month? Now you’re easily lifting 10!
14. You’re zooming ahead:
“You’re zooming ahead” suggests fast, impressive progress. It’s like saying someone is moving forward quickly, leaving others behind. Use this when someone is making rapid improvements or achieving goals faster than expected.
Example: [Team chat]
Jamal, your coding skills are zooming ahead! 🚀 You’ve learned three new programming languages in just two months. The whole IT team is impressed!
15. You’re hitting all the right notes:
“You’re hitting all the right notes” means someone is doing everything just right. It’s like a musician playing a song perfectly. Use this when someone is handling a complex task or project with skill and accuracy.
Example: [Email feedback]
Dear Emma, I’ve reviewed your marketing plan for the new product launch. You’re hitting all the right notes! Your ideas are creative, your budget is realistic, and your timeline is well-thought-out.
16. You’re a problem-solving wizard:
“You’re a problem-solving wizard” suggests someone is very good at finding solutions to tricky problems. It’s like saying they have magical powers when it comes to figuring things out. Use this when someone repeatedly comes up with clever solutions.
Example: [Boss’s comment in meeting]
Alex, your suggestion to reduce shipping costs was brilliant. You’re a problem-solving wizard! Thanks for always thinking outside the box.
17. You’re blooming where you’re planted:
“You’re blooming where you’re planted” means someone is doing very well in their current situation. It’s like a flower that grows beautifully wherever it happens to be. Use this when someone is making the most of their circumstances and thriving.
Example: [LinkedIn recommendation]
I had the pleasure of working with Priya on a challenging project with tight deadlines. Despite the pressure, she’s blooming where she’s planted, consistently delivering high-quality work and keeping team morale high.
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18. You’re painting a masterpiece:
“You’re painting a masterpiece” suggests that someone’s work is of very high quality. It’s like saying they’re creating something as beautiful and valuable as a famous painting. Use this when someone is doing excellent work on a big or important project.
Example: [Project manager’s email]
David, I’ve been reviewing your work on the new website design. You’re painting a masterpiece! Every page is user-friendly and visually stunning. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
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19. You’re turning heads:
“You’re turning heads” means that someone’s good work is getting a lot of attention. It’s like when you see something so impressive that you have to turn your head to look at it. Use this when someone’s achievements are being noticed by many people.
Example: [Comment on a blog post]
Wow, Sarah! Your latest article on climate change solutions is turning heads! 👀 I’ve seen it shared by three different environmental groups already. Keep up this important work!
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20. You’re planting seeds of success:
“You’re planting seeds of success” suggests that someone’s current efforts will lead to future achievements. It’s like saying they’re planting seeds now that will grow into something great later.
Use this to encourage someone whose work might not show immediate results but is important for the future.
Example: [Mentor’s advice]
Miguel, I know this research project feels slow right now, but trust me, you’re planting seeds of success. Your careful data collection now will lead to valuable insights later. Keep nurturing your work!
George Larry is a grammar enthusiast and blogger at Explore Grammar. With years of experience in English grammar, he excels in teaching sentence structure, synonyms,punctuation, and language clarity. His expertise helps readers understand and use grammar rules effectively, enhancing their writing skills and appreciation for the English language.
