Smile Power

Have you ever noticed how the word “smile” assumes the position of a smile on your face right after it has been pronounced? The same is true with a grin or a grouch. Much of the words in the English language or perhaps in other languages of the world assume the facial expressions of the person pronouncing them. Perhaps this is how words came into existence.

What kind of difference can a smile make? Well, as a Life Coach, we well know its power of influence and persuasion. In spite of its simplicity and spontaneity, a smile can make all the difference. It creates an atmosphere.

Admittedly, a frown can likewise create an atmosphere. The question now is this: “Which is more preferable?” An atmosphere of dissent brought about by frowning can bring conflict and unfriendliness, while a smile can create unity and camaraderie.

A smile is contagious. When you project a smile, the other person can’t help but smile back at you. Throw a smile to a baby, and there’s a big chance the baby will smile back at you.

Because of your smile, the baby starts to be playful at you even if you are a stranger to him. When a baby starts to be playful, you just can’t resist playing with him. Then he begins to laugh and giggle. You make the baby happy; you make yourself happy too. And to think all these started with a simple smile. If all these take place in a doctor’s office, chances are that you will forget why you are there in the first place. A smile can erase the pain, especially emotional and psychological pain.

If you want to make a good impression, smiling is your best option. You can sport all those expensive things on your body. You may be rich and famous. But if you sport a sour face, you’ll get the same treatment in return, as sour as vinegar.

A smile is worth more than words. A smile is a universal language expressed in the form of a gesture that greets and welcomes other people. When someone smiles at you, especially at a time you least expect it, you will get overwhelmed and you will return the favor. This is best exemplified during Christmas time.

Of course, Christmas is the time and season of smiles. But Christmas is also the time you get too busy attending to parties and shopping that you get so tired you feel you can’t smile anymore. However, when you come across somebody who smiles at you despite your weariness, you can't help but smile back.

Try walking into a shop where a frown from the owner awaits you. Before you know it, you are heading back to the door where you came from. It’s as if your legs have a mind of their own. This is the reason why it is important that your sales people (if you are in the sales business) wear smiles on their faces all the time. This is the best way to attract more customers. Make smiling the trademark of your business. Show it in your company logo and watch your business grow, just like all the other businesses using it.

A smile has no monetary value yet it is priceless. No amount of money can buy you one. It’s given away for free. You neither have to beg, steal, or borrow it. A smile comes naturally from the heart, resulting to harmony at home and prosperity for business. A smile binds and maintains friendship. Without smiles, any friendship is unimaginable.

“But how can you smile when you are overwhelmed with problems of the heart, health, finances, and peace of mind?” Yes, it’s difficult; but would sulking help? Will a frown take away the pain and rid the problems that keep pushing you down to more problems, illness, poverty, and a confused mind? The answer is obvious. Without a shadow of a doubt, a smile will clear the clouds and bring in sunshine to your life.

A smile is like a jewel worn on the face. It is the gateway to your personality. Wear a smile every minute and hour of the day, and you won’t need anything else.

'Impossible' Is ONLY A Word

If you are like me, at some point in your life, you dreamed of becoming somebody special.

Working with my coaching clients has reinforced this belief that, indeed, there are few if any of us who hasn't fantasized about hitting the game-winning homerun. who hasn't dreamed of becoming the homecoming queen or king? How many times have we dreamed of becoming rich, successful or happy? The answer here is easy - thousands of times!

Often, people dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, their dreams remain just that -- dreams. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self-actualization, they live in the humdrum of day-to-day existence.

Actually, life could be better, if only people learn to aim higher.

There is one word that stops most people from aiming higher goals, that word is ‘impossible’. Most people just say, “I can't do this. It's too hard. It's too impossible. No one can do this.” However, if everyone thinks that way, there would be no inventions, innovations, and breakthroughs in this world.

Scientists were baffled when they studied the humble bumblebee. According to theories, it is impossible for a bumblebee to fly. Fortunately, no one told this to the bumblebee!

Some people dream big and yet not act on these. What is the expected result? They experience broken dreams and tattered aspirations.

If you limit yourself with self-doubt and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem is impossible. If you dream without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream.

Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and list down things under the header ‘Things You Know You Can Do’. In another sheet, list down things under the header ‘Things You Might Be Able To Do’. Then, proceed to list things under the header ‘Things Which Are Impossible To Do’.

Everyday, strive to accomplish goals that are under ‘Things You Know You Can Do’. Check goals that you were able to accomplish. As you slowly check all your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under ‘Things You Might Be Able To Do’. Again, as you accomplish these goals under the said heading, proceed to your list of ‘Things Which Are Impossible To Do’.

As you go through this process, you will discover that the goals you first thought were impossible are possible after all! The technique is not to put a limit to your imagination. Aim high and start working towards that goal; take one step at a time. Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard, end up disappointed and disillusioned.

A hundred years ago, if you told someone that it was possible for man to land on the moon, he would laugh at you. If you told him that you could send mail to the other side of the world in just a few seconds, he would say that you were out of your mind. However, through sheer desire and perseverance, these impossible dreams are now realities.

Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. This is true! For you to accomplish your dreams, you have to recognize that action is required. Take note that the 1% that Edison is referring to relates to a big dream.

Ask any gym rat and he will tell you that there are no gains unless you step out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”?

Dream on, my friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams of yours. As you step up to the ladder of progress, you will find out that ‘impossible’ is just a word and it does not permanently apply to you.