When everything is on the line, and all eyes are on us, we need every advantage we can get. The best way to influence the crowd and get them on your side is to genuinely SMILE as often as possible.

In athletics and in life, a smile has the unique power to elevate your performance and make you MAGNETIC. It’s one of the most powerful ways to energize your audience while striving for your unimaginable goals.

And it doesn't stop there. The power of smiling can propel any aspect of your life: work, family, personal relationships, and all the human interactions that make up your day.

WAY MORE THAN A FACIAL EXPRESSION

Smiling isn't just a facial expression. It's a MINDSET. It's a choice we make every time we interact with a crowd or the people around us – a choice between keeping your guard up or pulling people in.

By smiling, you aren't simply expressing happiness. You're sending signals that say: "I've got this. I've got YOU. We're in this together."

And since smiling has a reciprocal effect, your audience follows you, whether it's one person or a crowd. When you outwardly express a genuine excitement for those around you, they're more likely to mirror those emotions.

PROVEN BY SCIENCE

Research shows that smiling can stimulate our brains in a way that other rewards can't. Smiling makes us feel good about our experiences and can also reduce stress.

One study even found that those who smiled more in their college yearbook photos were happier and more successful later in life.

How is that possible?

Scientists say it all has to do with the ways we express positive emotions. The act of smiling benefits our social interactions and can positively affect our personal well-being up to 30 years later.

In other words, smiling can have a lasting impact. The more you do it, the more powerful it becomes.

"LEARNING” TO SMILE—GENUINELY

Smiling more often does NOT mean being fake. It simply means applying a different mindset.

Don't worry if smiling doesn't come naturally to you. You can "learn" to do it genuinely by simply approaching your interactions with a higher level of awareness.

  • Be cognizant of what you want to get out of every interaction or crowd engagement.

  • Be aware of your appreciation of the people in front of you, before the interaction begins.

  • Be conscious of what brings out your positive emotions and how you can express them in the moment—even to people you've never met before.

Finally, remember that interactions are not just about YOU. Always consider the other people's needs too. On a deep human level, we're all looking for positive experiences and approval from each other. One smile can completely alter the vibe you project and the impressions you leave on others.

Apply that same mindset nonstop, in everything you do, and you'll discover the profound impact it can have on your life.