“Almost two freaking years not working,” writes Ric, “and I miss it.  How do I address this on a resume?”  Miss going to work?  Ric is not alone.  After two freaking years, it is time to get back to work.  Update your attitude, your past and your aspirations, and you soon will be wistfully missing these days off, rather than daydreaming about going to work.

To help Ric rethink his job search, I sent him to Nicollet Mall with instructions to scowl at the first ten people he saw.  At the next ten people, he had instructions to smile broadly, as if he’d just won the lottery.  If you wonder whether attitude is contagious, try this.  The results are amazing and consistent.  If you’re nowhere near Nicollet Mall, try grinning at the next person you see, whoever it is.  What happens?