Be Enthusiastic

Not long ago, I heard someone say, "Enthusiasm is contagious, be a carrier!" I must admit I had not thought of it in quite those terms, but I certainly agree that enthusiasm is contagious and that is an instance where it is good to be a carrier. You have probably noticed situations where a group of people were talking and everyone was sort of low key or not engaged and when someone who was enthusiastic joined the group, everyone sort of perked up. That is an instance where the person who joined the group was a carrier - spreading enthusiasm and good feelings to others.

You have probably heard someone referred to as having an infectious smile or laugh, and generally others enjoy being around that person. It is because they are a carrier of positive vibes. I encourage you to be a positive influence on others, spreading cheer and good feelings.
Sharing a smile costs you nothing and can certainly brighten someone else's day. You never know when your smile can make all the difference in someone else's day - whether it is a person you know or not.

Also, it is harder to feel down and out yourself if you are smiling. Sometimes on those days when you are feeling out of sorts and would rather not smile, instead of giving in to those feelings, pretend that you are happy and feeling fine. It frequently can do wonders for your mental health, as well as your physical well being. I don't remember who said it, but someone said, "Fake it til you make it." That applies to changes you are trying to make as well as your day-to-day existence. Even when you aren't feeling up, fake it, and pretend that you do.

Undoubtedly, you have also noticed the opposite effect, and it doesn't even have to have been a group of people. If you are talking with a person who is sort of down, or maybe just not their usual self, it sort of makes you feel down, as well. Negativity and mediocrity are also contagious and I caution you not to be a carrier of those feelings. This applies to everyday interactions with others, as well as meetings and discussions that have some importance, such as networking discussions or employment interviews.

Perhaps each day you can decide that it is going to be a good day - sometimes even a great day - and put a smile on your face that you can share with others all day long. Be a carrier of enthusiasm!

Mary Ann Davis (M.A.) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement or non-retirement, coping with an empty nest, loss of job, planning to return to school or work, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone helping them to find solutions to issues related to their transition. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Mary Ann Davis, M. A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement or non-retirement, returning to work or to school, and other life transitions. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone helping to find solutions to issues related to life planning. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/.









To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to mailto:YourCcareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.