​Until a year ago, I rarely dealt with the bank branch that handled my business account. Those transactions were always handled by an associate. Then, it became more convenient for me to take care of those transactions. When I first started going there, the place seemed dark, dreary and lifeless—I felt like I was in a funeral home. At the time, I thought, “Why do people bother banking here?” In an attempt to change things, I made it a point to get to know the receptionist and some of the tellers. Now when I walk in, I’m greeted with an enthusiastic, “Hi Ross!” and everyone is smiling. This morning, as I was finishing my business at this bank, I looked around and noticed that the place seemed much brighter and more cheerful than it did a year ago. The lesson here is that your world is what you make it. If you want your world to be bright, cheerful and welcoming, all you need to do is start smiling and get to know the people you come into contact with on a regular basis i.e., the people who work at the grocery store, the bank, the dry cleaners and so forth. This requires very little effort on your part, but I guarantee it will make your world a much better place.