THE VALUE OF A SMILE

This week, I want to talk about one of the more valuable practices I have implemented in my life that has helped to see much of the success that I have achieved. This is something, in my experience, has shown to work for me.

How much is a smile worth? When I first read How to Win Friends and Influence People, the great Self-development classic by Dale Carnegie. I had decided to give one of the suggestions a try and focus on smiling more in my daily interactions.

At first, I just felt better about myself while practicing this. I noticed some changes in interactions with others. You see, before I had focused on this, I believe I had a glum look on my face that was probably not too inviting.

When you start focusing on smiling more, it seems changes happen internally for you and creates an atmosphere of happiness. Others will react favorably to your sunny countenance. It cannot be a fake smile though. People can see through that. As with anything else, it must be a genuine act.

I have also found that when I feel sadness coming on, smiling at someone has helped to keep it at bay. How much is a smile worth? Its hard to calculate the actual value of a smile throughout the years. I feel it has boosted my career. It has attracted things and people into my life that has benefitted me in ways I probably cannot calculate.

Making a good first impression is important. And you only have a matter of moments before someone sizes you up. A smile is probably the easiest and simplest way to make a great first impression when meeting new people. When meeting someone new, a smile can really warm up the greeting and set the mind at ease. This in turn helps you as a leader to get them on your side, and to positively influence the outcome of the interaction.

How much has a smile been worth to me? Its hard to calculate, but I can say I would not have seen the growth I have in my career and in my leadership, if I had not had a smile on my face the whole way through. And, at the same time, smiling helps you feel grateful and happy. Who doesn’t need more of that?

Now it’s your turn. I encourage you to give it a try and smile more in your daily interactions. I can guarantee it will make you feel better and warm up the room with others as well.