The Ninety-Second Smile

Positive energy is a very powerful force and it is also contagious. Knowing this and having the desire to impact the lives of others can really go a long way. Let me explain.

As an assistant manager for a major American retail company, everyday my actions make a difference. I'm not talking about bottom lines and stock dividends, but I'm talking about how my personal actions impact the lives of others in either a positive or negative way. How you ask? I'd like to give you an example by telling you about the "Ninety-Second Smile Challenge."

Recently we had a children's event in my store. We have a dynamic associate who runs these events for us, but because of the unexpectedly high turnout that we had on this particular day, I made a point of repeatedly stopping by to see if there was any assistance needed.

Towards the end of the event, I approached a table that was occupied by a man and his three sons. The two younger boys were actively participating in the activity while their older brother sat slouched down away from the table. After asking if there was anything I could do for them, the father replied, "No thank you. We're just dealing with a little attitude right now."

"That's okay; I'm an amateur soccer coach," I thought before asking the man how old his son was.

"Nine," he replied.

"I have an eleven year-old son," I told him. "I know all about attitude." I turned to the boy and said, "You know, you're pretty lucky to have a good dad who takes you to stuff like this. Not all kids are so lucky."

The boy looked up at me with a look I knew all too well and I realized quickly that I'd have to try a different approach. I sat next to him, glancing at his name as it was written on his chest, and I said, "Taylor, do you want to do a challenge?"

He looked at me and nodded.

"Okay," I said. "Here's the challenge. I'm going to set my watch for a minute and a half," I told him, "and I want you to force yourself to smile for the entire time. At the end of ninety seconds, you can do whatever you want, but I promise that you'll be in a good mood. Do you want to give it a try?"

He nodded again.

"Alright, I'm going to set my watch. And three, two, one, go!" I said.

Taylor gave a little smirk and I began coaching, "C'mon, let me see a big smile. Bigger, like the Joker."

He opened his mouth and gave a smile that reminded me of the DC Comics super villain. "Don't stick your tongue out at me," I coached. "I want to see a smile. Show me some teeth! C'mon now!" I continued. This went on for a minute and a half, and by the end Taylor could barely contain his laughter.

"Time!" I called. "Okay, so how do you feel?" I asked.

A smiling Taylor replied, "Happy!"

"Great," I said as I shook his hand. "Don't forget to thank your dad for bringing you here today."

As I walked away, his father made eye contact with me and mouthed the words, "Thank you."

About twenty minutes later, I had the opportunity to walk by the area where Taylor and his family were sitting, and I saw the four of them working together and smiling. It brought a smile to my face to realize that was the impact of my day.

I tell you this story to remind you that we all have the power to choose our emotions and we all have the ability to affect someone else in a positive way. The next time you see someone who could use a spiritual lift, give them the gift of the "Ninety-Second Smile Challenge." If you don't believe me that it works, just ask Taylor.