Countless studies have proven that the mere act of smiling improves one’s mood and increases their likelihood of being happy. The same power can be said about frowning and its associated negative feelings. These simple uses of facial muscles can dramatically affect your daily experience, no matter what you’re doing. Wouldn’t you rather be more productive, creative, and just happier? Not only will you feel better, it’ll pay off more to turn that frown upside down in the workplace.

Jessica Pryce-Jones, author of Happiness at Work and CEO of iOpener has done a lot of research around this topic. “Happiness at work is closely correlated with greater performance and productivity as well as greater energy, better reviews, faster promotion, higher income, better health and increased happiness with life. So it’s good for organizations and individuals, too.”

Forbes shared some of Pryce-Jones’ research/results, which were compiled from 3,000 respondents in 79 countries. The results were clear, people who were happier at work were more productive. “The happiest employees are 180% more energized than their less content colleagues, 155% happier with their jobs, 150% happier with life, 108% more engaged and 50% more motivated. Most staggeringly, they are 50% more productive too.”

We can all agree that the simple act of smiling helps us be happy, and being happy not only improves our life but dramatically improves our experience at work – so, it’s time to smile more!

Start Smiling

Several years ago, I took a training course with a New York company called Mind Gym. Actor Craig Wroe gave some advice I’ve been passing on ever since: “I’ve got a surefire way…to make [yourself smile]. In your head say these three words, ‘I love you.’ and say it in a Southern accent. See if you can stop yourself from smiling!” Go ahead and try it right now.

I pass on this onto others all the time. I tell people to make sure they don’t say it out loud at the office, or somebody will get human resources involved or something! The simple act of smiling is much more powerful than people realize. A smile attracts people to you – that opens up opportunities. And when you stop and think about it, people truly appreciate a smile. You will make it big in life when you naturally want to be around people with great ideas and great prospects.

Learn more about leveraging improv to improve your career by visiting www.improvisnojoke.com and download a free chapter of my book, Improv is No Joke.