It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve seen a genuinely happy person. Everyone around me seems so down and disappointed that it almost makes me physically ill. They all lack motivation, interest and sheer will power do get a thing done, even though the desire is still there. And even more worrying is the fact that these people get together.

Bad idea.

It’s quite a common fact that you’re unwillingly influencing the people around you, either in a good or a bad way. And when two disappointed people get together in an unsuspecting crowd it’s almost certain it will create havoc: all folks around you will act down, tired and bored and you’ll end your evening with a bitter taste in your mouth, hoping for the better at your next meeting.

How often have you found yourself in this situation?

I for one have been through quite a lot of these and I can tell you there’s a quick and almost permanent fix: the power of reaction. Now, if you’ve seen The Secret you already know what I’m going to tell you next and if you didn’t, I highly recommend you watch it. This little documentary discusses the law of attraction which, in a nutshell, says that you really need to wish hard for something to happen and it will. Trust me on this one, it really does. That alone however is not enough.

What I really want to emphasize on is the power of reaction. Apart from really wishing for something to happen you really do need to act upon it too. It’s like having faith but giving it a boost as well.

So let’s say you really wish the lady at the counter of the grocery store would be nicer to you and not give you that nasty look every time you go down to the store. Apart from wishing it, also try saying a genuine “hi” with a smile on your face.

Or when you go to your next club meeting and you see most of the people ignoring you, not only wish that they will talk to you more but walk up to them and  ask if you could join in the conversation. Chances are that your wish will come true.

It’s amazing to have faith. But it’s more amazing being able to make your wishes come true by building upon the reactions of your actions.