One of the most important traits that someone needs in order to maximize their emotional balance and strengthen their inner worth is a sense of humor. Not only does a sense of humor help someone put things into perspective, but the act of being able to, and actually, laughing at oneself almost invariably is a strengthening one. Harriet Ward Beecher wrote, “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It’s jolted by every pebble in the road.” Bob Newhart approached this subject by stating, “Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an e, deal with it and then move on.” Numerous studies indicate that those having a sense of humor exhibit much more positive attitudes, experience far less extremes of ups and downs, suffer far less from depression, and are overall far better balanced emotionally. These studies also indicate that humor helps one handle adversity better, and encourages persistence and permits one to persevere. It is generally acknowledged that individuals who persevere have a far better opportunity to succeed because they don’t give up.

1. When one has a sense of humor, it gives him in a positive, fun loving, enjoying life, perspective. While those who take things seriously all the time are often overly intense, those with a sense of humor can often snap out of the doldrums of everyday life, and laughing often helps one see some positive in even the dreariest of circumstances. A paramount essential for successful people is their self- value, and without that sense of self worth, it is nearly impossible to be a success. It is a fact that most people are attracted to individuals who are uplifting (and entertaining), and someone who is able to laugh at himself, at circumstances, and at life, in general, is almost unilaterally more attractive for that and other reasons.

2. Inner strength is essential both to emotional balance, as well as to enjoying life. We have all heard on countless occasions how much less effort is needed to smile than to frown, but that only applies if the smile is a genuine one. Think of people you know personally, or do business with, or hold leadership positions, and simply remember how those who exhibit a genuine sense of humor are generally more appealing. When we laugh, we see far fewer problems, but see challenges and humor where others see problems. Laughter puts us in a better mood, and generally makes us feel better.

Why are comedians so popular? Why do so many people enjoy comedy shows, comedians, situation comedies on television, etc.? Simply stated, because it makes them laugh. The laughter helps them enjoy themselves and to relax. Life’s realities often has its stresses, and laughter and a sense of humor helps us handle those interruptions in a far better manner.

Richard Brody, with over 30 years consultative sales, marketing, training, managerial, and operations experience, has trained sales and marketing people in numerous industries, given hundreds of seminars, appeared as a company spokesperson on over 200 radio and television programs, and regularly blogs on real estate, politics, economics, management, leadership, negotiations, conferences and conventions, etc. He has negotiated, arranged and/ or organized hundreds of conferences and conventions. He’s a Senior Consultant with RGB Consultation Services, an Ecobroker, a Licensed Buyers Agent (LBA) and Licensed Salesperson in NYS, in real estate.