HASPO

Recently, a friend of mine asked why I'm always happy. Simple answer: choice. He wasn't satisfied. Not with my answer, Not with his job. I knew what he was asking, but defining my "job" wouldn't provide the nutrition he needed.

"HASPO," I said (on-the-fly, but it may stick). What's HASPO you say? It's the opposite of ASPOBO.

Hang Around Smiling People Often

Tom Peters writes in The Brand You 50:

I will tell you what I have learned: That those who exude optimism and self-confidence inspire enthusiasm and self-confidence in others.

And you can take that to the bank - but you better be making deposits before withdrawals. We're not going to always be smiling, but it's a better back-to-basics practice than the alternative. Yes, I have many I count as friends (because of their heart more than their grin) who will say, "Happy people make me sick."  Actually, it's the other way around. Which leads me to ASPOBO.

Avoid SourPusses Or Become One