What three things can you do today that will improve your life and those around you immediately?
Zig Ziglar, motivational expert and author said, “It takes 72 muscles to frown and 14 to smile.” Lighten your load by smiling! Alfred Adler, “well-known psychologist, later reaffirmed that if we make our selves smile, we actively feel like smiling.”
Dr. Ronald Riggio, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology in his Psychology Today article said, “There’s magic in your smile. You’re actually better-looking when you smile- and I’m not just trying to butter you up.”
He says, “When you smile, people treat you differently. You’re viewed as attractive, reliable, relaxed, and sincere. A study published in the journal Neuropsychologia reported that seeing an attractive, smiling face activates your orbitofrontal cortex, the region in your brain that process sensory rewards. This suggests that when you view a person smiling, you actually feel rewarded.”
I was recently in the local Food Lion buying groceries and smiled at another lady who looked harassed and unhappy! A few moments later she looked back and smiled. When someone needs a smile loan them yours!
Zig Ziglar summed it up this way, “Our moods match our posture, and more important, people around us tend to feel as we feel. Mood is contagious.”
Second, encouragement is the key! Giving a sincere compliment shows appreciation.
Herm Albright told the following story: “After watching a middle-aged waitress going about her business efficiently but with a smile for everyone, I decided to compliment her on her good humor.”
‘Well,’ she said, continuing her work, ‘it’s like this. If you see the twinkles you won’t notice the wrinkles.”
Ziglar says, “She’s right. A simple word of encouragement or a pleasant smile does inspire people to do better. Interestingly enough, however, the person doing the encouraging, whether it’s in the form of a simple smile, a little note or a verbal “you’re doing good,” automatically feels better about life itself and, more importantly, about himself.”
Mary Kay Ash said, “Thousands of people have gone farther than they thought they could because somebody else thought they could. What that someone else did was to offer encouragement, which is the “fuel” of hope.”
Mr. Ziglar, “The question is, how often do you give someone a word of encouragement, a verbal thank-you or a simple little note that says “I genuinely appreciate your efforts – you’re doing a beautiful job?”
Reverend Chalfant tells the story of a couple in his church celebrating their “Golden Wedding Anniversary”, 50 years of being happily married. Reverend Chalfont asked his parishioner, “What is the secret of your long happy marriage?”
His parishioner replied, “Sarah, was the only girl I ever dated. I grew up in an orphanage and worked hard for everything I had. I never had time to date until Sarah swept me off my feet. Before I knew it, she had managed to get me to ask her to marry her. After we said our vows on our wedding day, Sarah’s father took me aside and handed me a small gift.”
Sarah’s father said to his new son in law, “Within this gift is all you really need to know to have a happy marriage.”
Son in law said, “I nervously open the beautifully wrapped gift. Within the box lay a large gold watch. With great care I picked it up. Upon close examination I saw etched across the face of the watch, “Say something nice to Sarah”.
He said, “I made a point of saying something nice to my beloved wife, just as the watch reminded me to each morning for 50 years. That’s is the secret of my long and happy marriage.”
If every morning you said something nice, gave a sincere compliment, to your spouse, your children, your family members, and your team members at work wouldn’t you connect better and have a happier day?
Third, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.” –Zig Ziglar
Have an attitude of gratitude by being grateful for your blessings and develop a positive mental attitude. Having a positive mental attitude helps to motivate and encourage you, to solve your problems, and have a happier and more meaningful life.
So, start spreading your good will today by smiling, giving a sincere compliment, and having a positive mental attitude.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, conductor, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Business”. Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget” is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com