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Photo courtesy of Kris Willis

Think about the last time you were inspired by another person.

What about them affected you?

It may have been a feat they accomplished. Or perhaps it was a speech they gave.

I’ve always been fascinated with charismatic people; they seem to have a superpower of energizing those they come in contact with to join their cause, however large or small it is.

I recently began reading Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo to learn more about what makes certain people such influential communicators. I happened upon a passage (one of many) that resonated with me.

“Passion is aroused not because some [entrepreneurs] are inherently disposed to such feelings but, rather, because they are engaged in something that relates to a meaningful and salient self—identity for them.”

Shawn Achor’s TEDxBloomington talk comes to mind when thinking of charisma and TED Talks. He has a unique combination of humor and intelligence that arrests your attention from his first words, but what made me think of his talk was that it inspired me to actually make a change in my own life.

Shawn Achor offers a challenge that can help put you on a path towards a more fulfilled, happier life: Try 21 days of recording three things that you are grateful for and a positive thing that happened to you a day to help shape your outlook on life and your present circumstances. I tried it, and can attest that it works!

But don’t take my word for it; listen to his talk, and try it for yourself.

Kris Willis

Kris Willis is an observationalist, a loner who doesn’t like being alone, a fitness junkie and lover of creativity.

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